Izaan Janse Van Vuuren

Insurance Practice

• Managing the Insurance litigation department consisting of liabilities, recoveries, negotiations, refutes, repudiations as well as comprehensive legal opinions and consultations on high profile matters for various major South African Insurers such as Old Mutual Insure, Auto and General, Santam and Santam Outsourced Business, Hollard and Bryte Insurance.
• Developed strong working relationships with opposing counsel, fostering a collaborative environment for dispute resolution.
• Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
• Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
• Handled several pilot projects and set-off projects ran between Insurers.
• Developed and presented several training sessions and material to and for Insurers and back-office staff together with Brokers.
• Negotiation training and material was developed and presented by me for our corporate clients.
• Portfolio assessments, projection analysis on both liabilities and recoveries and development of an Attorney assessment yardstick in respect of Attorney-panel reviews
• Attending operational meetings with Brokers on high profile matters and holistic portfolio KPI's.
• Facilitated meetings to evaluate and assess both internal staff's performance to enhance personnel efficiency for Quest Claims Solutions as well as attorney evaluations and taking over matters from other attorney firms who have been removed from the panel.
• Coordinated with various stakeholders including adjusters, attorneys, contractors, public agencies, and other professionals involved in the recovery process.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, legal developments, and legislative changes for effective representation of clients' interests.
• Maintained a high level of industry knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars focused on insurance recovery strategies.
• Minimized delays in claim processing by proactively addressing potential roadblocks or issues that could arise during the negotiation process.
• Mentored and trained junior team members to enhance their skills in insurance recovery techniques and best practices.
• Improved client satisfaction by efficiently managing insurance recovery claims and providing timely updates on progress.
• Reduced time spent on claim processing by implementing an organized system to track case progress and deadlines.
• Maximized claim amounts by accurately calculating financial losses and presenting strong cases to insurers.
• Streamlined data collection methods for efficient information gathering from multiple sources relevant to each case.
• Leveraged expert knowledge of local regulations and laws to advise clients on their rights regarding insurance claims procedures.
• Increased success rates in insurance recoveries by conducting thorough investigations of policy coverage and potential subrogation opportunities.
• Assisted clients in navigating complex policy terms and conditions to ensure accurate understanding of their coverage options.
• Managed complex caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and keeping organized records of case materials.
• Drafted, reviewed and negotiated contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
• Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Assisted in the development of legal strategies and arguments to secure favourable outcomes in contentious litigation matters.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to achieve successful resolutions in high-stakes cases involving multiple parties and jurisdictions.
• Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
• Participated in mediation sessions leading to cost-effective resolutions without resorting to lengthy trial procedures.
• Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
• Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
• Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
• Drafted and reviewed contracts for clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws while protecting their interests.
• Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials that resulted in favorable rulings for clients.
• Conducted thorough due diligence investigations to uncover critical information pertinent to clients'' legal matters.
• Achieved successful case outcomes by researching legal issues and drafting persuasive arguments.
• Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
• Negotiated favourable settlements, minimizing litigation costs and time spent in court.
• Counselled clients on risk management strategies to minimize exposure to litigation liabilities.
• Improved client satisfaction rates by providing timely updates on case progress and addressing concerns promptly.
• Advised corporate clients on compliance issues pertaining to federal and state regulations while minimizing potential liability risks.
• Mentored junior attorneys to improve their legal knowledge, skills, and career growth potential.
• Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
• Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
• Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
• Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.

General Litigation Practice

• Inclusive but not limited to the abovementioned, I attended to matters pertaining to Civil Litigation, Family Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Labour Law, Commercial Law, Contract Law, Legal Compliance, Surrogacy Law, Property Law inclusive of conveyancing litigation.
• Drafting of all legal documents together with trial preparation and running of trial matters in the Magistrate, Regional Court and High Court of South Africa.
• Consultations and negotiations with Insurers, council, advocates and high-profile clients and/or opposing parties.
• Independent handling of all motion applications whether unopposed and/or opposed together with drafting of heads of argument and personally facilitating the hearing of the motion proceedings.
• Attendance to all trial matters, with and/or without counsel from the onset of the matter to finalization.
• Attending board meetings and AGM's with clients and/or facilitating same to secure their rights and act within their best interest.
• Legal bookkeeping and billing on various Legal software programs.

Management

• Management of my own litigation teams in my various departments inclusive of evaluating their individual strengths and applying a task and time management strategy which will play to the strength of each team member.
• In managing my departments, I promoted accountability and continuously assessed/monitored the efficient execution of tasks handed to support staff, handling of the relevant diary systems in place, client feedback, level of service maintained as well as staff interaction, amongst other essential factors.
• As member of the firm's management team, I attended weekly meetings together with the partners where: departmental feedback and structures, firm operations, innovations, expansion, firm financials, personal and firm growth, training, gap analysis, marketing, community projects, staff related issues and all other firm and/or matter related strategies were discussed.
• Managing various diary systems and legal software.
• Increased group productivity by implementing effective team management strategies.
• Delivered exceptional results through focused leadership and effective team management.
• Streamlined administrative tasks for efficient team management, improving overall organization.
• Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
• Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
• Streamlined workflow processes for increased productivity through effective team management and scheduling.
• Management of staff specifically in respect of human resources related matters.
• Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
• Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
• Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
• Handling and chairing of internal disciplinary proceedings.
• Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
• Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
• Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
• Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and proactively addressing these challenges through appropriate solutions implementation.
• Led change management initiatives to drive organizational transformation without compromising employee morale or productivity levels.
• Implemented innovative marketing campaigns that boosted brand awareness and generated significant leads.
• Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
• Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
• Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
• Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
• Assisted in the recruitment process, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic.
• Served as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
• Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
• Coached new hires on company processes while managing employees to achieve maximum production.
• Oversaw facility maintenance requests, coordinating with building management to address repairs or improvements efficiently.
• Developed comprehensive policy manuals outlining procedures and guidelines, contributing to a well-organized workplace culture.
• Reported to senior management on organizational performance and progress toward goals.
• Evaluated employee records and productivity and submitted evaluation reports.
• Delivered performance reviews, recommending additional training or advancements.

Public and firm liaison

• Compiling and presenting relevant legal training to support staff, brokers, clients, bond originators, bankers as well as Real Estate Agents nationally as well as internationally.
• POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) Compliance Officer.
• FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act) Compliance Officer - Anti-theft and money laundering).
• Client and Real Estate Agent liaison.
• Marketing liaison and content creator for firm marketing, inclusive of arranging and attending client functions, community projects and galas.

• At this firm I gained experience in the following legal fields:- Civil litigation, Divorces, Criminal litigation, Contracts, Evictions and Collections.
• Consulting with clients and debtors both independently and with the relevant supervising Attorney.
• Ran various diaries for the Attorneys at the practice.
• Office administration.
• Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
• Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
• Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
• Organized files for court proceedings.
• Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
• Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
• Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
• Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
• Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
• Reduced errors in legal documents by implementing thorough proofreading processes.
• Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
• Developed and maintained filing and retrieval systems.
• Coordinated meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements for attorneys, ensuring seamless scheduling across the firm.
• Supported attorneys during trials by efficiently coordinating exhibits, witness interviews, and other essential tasks.
• Contributed to positive client experiences by offering attentive support during consultations with attorneys.
• Transcribed information from typed or handwritten notes, shorthand or dictation and confirmed accuracy and correct formatting of documents.
• Completed data entry of legal documents into electronic filing systems.
• Prepared and processed invoices for attorney billing.
• Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.
• Managed check requests, expense reimbursement requests, invoices and accounts payable and receivable information.
• Planned and organized internal and external events, meetings and conferences.
• Worked with outside vendors to coordinate purchasing of supplies and maintenance of office complex.

• At this firm I gained experience in the following legal fields: Civil litigation, Collections, Sequestrations,Contracts and commercial collections.
• Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
• Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
• Organised the diary and appointment system of multiple Attorneys.
• Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
• Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
• Organized files for court proceedings.
• Screened telephone calls and forwarded to appropriate departments.
• Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
• Assisted in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, contributing to successful case resolutions.
• Transcribed legal documents and phone conversations.
• Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
• Ensured compliance with court rules by staying up-to-date on changing regulations related to filings and other requirements.
• Created and printed legal documents for attorneys to review.
• Prepared and processed invoices for attorney billing.
• Communicated professionally with clients, colleagues and legal partnership verbally and in writing.
• Managed check requests, expense reimbursement requests, invoices and accounts payable and receivable information.
• Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Composed contracts, pleadings and motions in accordance with established guidelines.
• Prioritized and handled multiple assignments and maintained firm commitment to deadlines.
• Collected on delinquent accounts to reduce overdue balances.
• Resolved customer disputes and disagreements through professional, calm communication to find mutually beneficial solutions.
• Educated debtors about repayment options, enabling them to make informed decisions while preserving positive business relationships.
• Developed strong relationships with customers to foster timely payments and account resolution.
• Provided excellent customer service during difficult conversations, empathizing with debtors while remaining firm on repayment expectations.

• Typing of dictations in the following departments: Debt Collections, Correspondent litigation matters, Civil litigation, Criminal litigation,
• Drafting of legal documentation incluof pleadings for Attorney's review.
• Oversaw facility maintenance requests, coordinating with building management to address repairs or improvements efficiently.
• Drafting of contracts for Attorney supervision and review.
• Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
• Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
• Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
• Answered and directed calls using multi-line switchboard.
• Received and placed telephone calls to clients and prospective clients.
• Managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Provided exceptional customer service when greeting clients and answering phone calls, fostering a welcoming environment.
• Prepared legal correspondence and wrote professional letters for legal assistants and attorneys.
• Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
• Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
• Trained new staff members on office procedures and best practices, promoting a cohesive team dynamic within the firm.
• Improved client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate legal document preparation.
• Developed strong relationships with court personnel to ensure smooth filing processes and adherence to regulations.
• Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
• Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
• Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
• Created, maintained and updated filing systems for paper and electronic documents.
• Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
• Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.