Jameela Khan

A junior attorney with a strong foundation in family law, litigation and legal research. Returning to practice after a planned career break living abroad. During which time, I continued to apply my legal training through pro bono advisory work, navigating complex statutory systems, conducting independent litigation and contributing to community advocacy with the same rigor expected in a professional practice.

My intention is to reenter the profession with renewed focus and a commitment to delivering client-centered outcomes. I am a motivated, detail orientated professional, known for having a collaborative approach to complex matters.

Attorney at Pro Bono Home based Advice Office (2023-06 – Present)

Legal assistance to pro bono clients supporting access to justice initiatives.

• Draft and review settlement agreements
• Advise on the recognition and validity of Muslim marriages within South African family law
• Prepare parenting plans in compliance with the Children's Act

Business Administrator (Part-Time) at Crescent Actuarial Consultants (2019-01 – 2022-06)

Conducted legal research and operational support within a startup actuarial consultancy during a period of family caregiving.

• Analysed cross-jurisdictional business structures and taxation frameworks for an SME
• Supported operational management, ensuring statutory compliance, budget and management
• Successfully won regulatory defence matter on behalf of members of a professional body

Planned Career Break at Immigration (2011-01 – 2018-12)

Undertook full-time family responsibilities while maintaining active engagement and navigating relevant legislation in the United Kingdom.

• Successfully navigated UK immigration processes, obtaining British citizenship independently
• Conducted legal research into UK tenancy law (Tenancy Rights Act) and self-represented in County Court proceeding
• Successfully launched and won a counter claim for breach of contract against one of the largest insurance companies in the UK.
• Co-founded a community initiative (Friends of the Park) engaging local government to obtain park recognition to secure funding and infrastructure improvements
• Served on the EXCO of a preschool; drafted and implemented its constitution
• Challenged and reversed discriminatory GP admission practices toward South African immigrants
• Drafted formal correspondence to MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee on matters of international law
• Secured reversal of discriminatory National Insurance eligibility requirements affecting children

Professional Assistant at Steve Merchak Attorneys (2009-01 – 2010-12)

Practiced as an attorney with a focus on family law.

• Magistrates' Court and High Court litigation
• Interlocutory matters relating to family law including but not limited to: Rule 43, maintenance, domestic violence and spoliation applications
• Negotiated settlements in complex and sensitive family law disputes
• Drafted pleadings, correspondence, parenting plans
• Prepared and managed court files; attended court proceedings with counsel and clients
• Bills of cost and appeared in taxation

Candidate Attorney at Rees Tshabalala Adams Inc (2007-06 – 2008-12)

Bursar / Secretary at Shereen's Montessori (2001-01 – 2001-12)

Bookkeeper (Part-Time) at Taxico (1999-01 – 2001-12)

Admitted as an Attorney – Law Society of SA (2009)

PLT Course – University of Pretoria (2007)

LLB Degree – University of the Western Cape (2006)

Teacher training course – ELF Montessori (2001)

Matric – Harold Cressy High School (2000)