Claire Pickford

Commercially minded admitted attorney with 3+ years' legal experience across commercial litigation, banking recoveries, contract drafting and review, corporate advisory, insolvency-related matters, arbitration and property-related disputes both with International and National clients. Experienced in acting for corporate clients, financial institutions, property owners, service providers and commercial entities in both contentious and advisory mandates. Strong practical judgement, persuasive drafting and matter-management skills, with proven ability to manage high-volume litigation portfolios while supporting complex commercial transactions and cross-border contract work.

Associate Attorney at Weavind and Weavind Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers (2024-11 – Present)

• Draft and review commercial agreements, including MCA-related documents, development management agreements, service level agreements, consultancy agreements, corporate leases, freight charter agreements, catering contracts and restructuring documents.
• Support commercial transactions involving local and international parties, including entities based in China, Singapore, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Japan and Australia.
• Prepare pleadings, affidavits, legal opinions, heads of argument, settlement agreements, client advice, demand letters and court-related correspondence.
• Managed a banking foreclosure portfolio of approximately 300 concurrent files, including defended matters, default judgments, Rule 46A applications, substituted service, payment arrangements, certificates of balance, valuations and sale-in-execution processes.
• Advise on share restructures, share buy-backs, asset transfers, corporate resolutions, deregistration/liquidation processes, section 345 demands and commercial risk assessments.
• Assist in arbitration and corporate advisory matters, including disputes requiring practical strategy, urgent drafting and clear client-facing advice.

Candidate Attorney at Weavind and Weavind Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers (2023-01 – 2024-11)

• Completed rotations across Conveyancing, Engineering and Construction, Commercial, and Banking Law departments.
• Assisted with litigation, contract review, property-related matters, banking recoveries, commercial correspondence and client reporting.
• Developed strong drafting discipline through pleadings, affidavits, settlement proposals, legal research and opinion work.

LLB in Law – University of Pretoria (2021 – 2022)

BA Law with distinction in Law – University of Pretoria (2018 – 2020)