Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic
HENLOU MICHIEL  GELDENHUYS

HENLOU MICHIEL GELDENHUYS

Pretoria,South Africa

Summary

Accomplished legal professional with extensive expertise in legal drafting, litigation, and client representation. Demonstrates proficiency in conducting comprehensive legal research using advanced databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw. Skilled in developing strategic case solutions across diverse fields including corporate law, medical negligence, and family law. Adept at negotiating favourable outcomes for clients through effective communication and settlement strategies. Committed to ethical practice and client advocacy, with a strong dedication to pro bono work.

Diligent legal professional skilled in [Area of expertise] law. Confident and knowledgeable in investigation and presentation techniques for positive case outcomes. Committed to prioritising client needs through considerate case management.

Highly-motivated Candidate Attorney with extensive experience in criminal, family and employment law. Draws on diverse representation experience to develop and present strategic legal arguments. Achieves positive case outcomes to surpass client expectations.

Overview

1
1
year of professional experience

Work history

Candidate Attorney

Venter and Geldenhuys Incorporated Attorneys
Pretoria, South Africa
01.2024 - Current

Skills & Competencies Core Strengths


Candidate Attorney
Venter and Geldenhuys Incorporated Attorneys
2024 – Present

As a Candidate Attorney at Venter and Geldenhuys, I am exposed to various legal matters across multiple practice areas, including corporate law, medical negligence, family law, criminal law, and civil law. Some of my key responsibilities include:

  • Assisting with the drafting of legal documents and contracts, ensuring compliance with current regulations.
  • Conducting extensive legal research to support the preparation of legal briefs and opinions.
  • Representing clients in court proceedings, gaining first-hand experience in high court litigation and legal procedures.
  • Providing advice to clients, helping them understand complex legal matters while ensuring they receive the best possible representation.
  • Supervising junior law professionals, assisting in the management of client caseloads and ensuring client interests are safeguarded throughout legal processes.



Legal Advisor
Probono.org | Pretoria, South Africa
January 2023 – May 2023

During my time at Probono.org, I had the opportunity to work within the Pretoria High Court, assisting clients with limited access to legal resources. This experience broadened my understanding of civil procedures, financial claims, and civil disputes. Key responsibilities included:

  • Drafting legal documents and providing accurate legal advice to clients and partners.
  • Managing legal correspondence, ensuring the delivery of vital information to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
  • Evaluating civil litigation elements, initiating and responding to claims as necessary.
  • Gaining hands-on experience in client interaction and building professional relationships through legal service delivery.




Sales Representative
Gel Survey Solutions | Rustenburg, South Africa
October 2018 – March 2021

While working part-time as a Sales Representative, I developed essential communication and relationship-building skills, which have since enhanced my client interaction in the legal field. Key responsibilities included:

  • Establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, providing accurate quotes and terms.
  • Boosting client retention and achieving sales goals through exceptional follow-up.
  • Understanding the importance of customer objectives and how to meet them effectively.



Throughout my legal career thus far, I have developed a diverse skill set and have gained experience in various areas of legal practice:



  • High Court Litigation Experience: Gained significant exposure to high court litigation in corporate law, medical negligence, family law, criminal law, and civil law.
  • Legal Drafting & Research: Expertise in drafting legal documents, conducting due diligence, and performing comprehensive legal research to support case preparation and client outcomes.
  • Litigation & Case Management: In-depth understanding of court procedures, including case preparation, hearings, and client representation in various courts of law.
  • Negotiation & Mediation: Skilled in moderating legal negotiations between clients and third parties to achieve favorable resolutions.
  • Client Relations & Advice: Established effective client relationships, offering strategic legal advice and ensuring clients are fully informed of the legal processes affecting their cases.
  • Supervision & Teamwork: Led and supervised junior legal professionals, providing guidance on case management and assisting in developing client caseloads.
  • Technology Proficiency: Proficient in utilizing online legal databases and digital resources to conduct legal research and due diligence.
  • Analytical and methodical, with the ability to solve complex legal issues under pressure.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, maintaining professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and court officials.
  • Passionate about advocating for those in need and promoting justice within the community.
  • Committed to personal and professional growth, constantly seeking to expand knowledge in the ever-evolving field of law

Education

LLB - Law

Varsity College
South Africa
01.2020 - 10.2024

Law School - Law

University of Pretoria
South Africa
02.2025 -

National Senior Certificate - school

Hoërskool Rustenburg
South Africa
01.2015 - 12.2019

Primary School Diploma - school

Laerskool Rustenburg
South Africa
01.2007 - 12.2014

Skills

    Legal Expertise
  • Legal Drafting & Documentation: Experienced in drafting legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, memorandums, and legal opinions, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations
  • Litigation & Court Procedure: Extensive knowledge of legal processes in high court litigation across multiple fields, including corporate law, medical negligence, family law, criminal law, and civil law Skilled in managing case preparation, attending hearings, and executing legal strategies
  • Legal Research & Analysis: Adept at conducting comprehensive legal research using advanced legal databases (LexisNexis, Westlaw, etc) to interpret case law, statutes, and regulations to support legal arguments and case preparation
  • Client Representation & Legal Advice: Proficient in providing sound legal advice, explaining complex legal concepts clearly to clients, and representing their interests effectively during negotiations or in court
  • Communication & Negotiation Skills
  • Client Relations: Skilled in building strong, trusting relationships with clients, offering tailored legal guidance, and advocating for their best interests Demonstrated ability to manage client expectations while providing clear and concise legal advice
  • Negotiation & Settlement: Experienced in negotiating favorable outcomes for clients by strategically resolving disputes through settlement discussions, mediations, and direct negotiations
  • Effective Written & Oral Communication: Exceptional written communication skills for drafting legal documents, correspondence, and reports Confident in delivering persuasive oral arguments, making compelling presentations, and representing clients in court proceedings
  • Research & Analytical Abilities
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Strong ability to analyze complex legal issues, identify key facts, and evaluate the potential risks and outcomes to develop strategic solutions
  • Due Diligence: Proficient in performing due diligence in various legal matters, from corporate transactions to civil disputes, ensuring all necessary research is conducted and potential risks are mitigated
  • Case Strategy Development: Expertise in developing comprehensive legal strategies based on thorough case analysis, prior decisions, and in-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
  • Professional & Organizational Skills
  • Time & Project Management: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines in high-pressure legal environments Efficient at managing multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining a high level of detail and accuracy
  • Team Collaboration & Supervision: Collaborative team player with experience working alongside senior lawyers, fellow candidates, and clients Proficient in supervising junior professionals and assisting in case management
  • Crisis & Stress Management: Skilled at handling complex legal situations and client concerns under pressure, ensuring timely resolution and maintaining professionalism in stressful environments
  • Technological Proficiency
  • Legal Software & Research Tools: Advanced proficiency in legal research tools such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, and other legal databases to gather case information, statutes, and legal precedents Familiar with legal management and document storage systems for case file organization
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, to prepare legal documents, manage case data, and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues
  • Additional Skills
  • Pro Bono Experience: Committed to serving the community through pro bono legal services, working with organizations like Probonoorg to assist individuals with limited access to legal representation
  • Client Advocacy & Ethical Practice: Strong dedication to upholding professional ethics and ensuring client confidentiality while prioritising the interests of those in need of legal assistance

Languages

English
Advanced
Afrikaans
Advanced

Affiliations

  • golf
  • Sports fishing
  • travelling

Accomplishments

    - Competing in 3 consecutive seasons in the Ashberton

    national cycling marathon event from 2016 to 2019.

    -Team member of Hoërskool Rustenburg mountain biking

    team from 2015 until 2019.

    -Primary school:

    Attending a three-year course at At Strydom drama school.

    Contributing to a leadership role within the school in 2014

    (leerlingraad).

    Performing at the Tshwane kunstefees in 2014 as part of the

    schools drama team.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Law School - Law

University of Pretoria
02.2025 -

Candidate Attorney

Venter and Geldenhuys Incorporated Attorneys
01.2024 - Current

LLB - Law

Varsity College
01.2020 - 10.2024

National Senior Certificate - school

Hoërskool Rustenburg
01.2015 - 12.2019

Primary School Diploma - school

Laerskool Rustenburg
01.2007 - 12.2014
HENLOU MICHIEL GELDENHUYS