Denise Louw

Dynamic and results-driven legal professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in corporate legal advisory, labour law, litigation, and contract management. Adept at providing strategic legal guidance, mitigating risk, and managing high-stakes legal matters. Proven leadership in handling disputes, and commercial transactions in complex environments. Recognised for excellence in legal performance and consistent delivery under pressure.

Senior AO Legal Counsel – Contracts and Disputes at Samsung (2025-09 – Present)

Focus: Corporate contracts, litigation, dispute resolution, compliance

• Provide strategic legal counsel on high-risk commercial matters, disputes, compliance, and governance.
• Negotiate, draft, and review complex agreements including eCommerce, sales, supply, and cross-border contracts.
• Manage litigation, pre-litigation, government investigations, and consumer complaints across SSA and AO.
• Oversee Electronic Contracts Management System (ECMS) and ensure accurate legal reporting to senior management.
• Mentor junior legal team members and liaise with external counsel to achieve cost-effective legal outcomes.

Attorney at Horn Attorneys (2024-01 – 2025-08)

Focus: Labour Law, Civil Litigation, Family Law

• Chaired disciplinary hearings; drafted charges, warnings, termination and suspension notices.
• Managed full litigation process — pleadings, applications, court bundles, trials, motions, heads of argument, and domestic violence matters.
• Briefed and liaised with counsel; utilised Court Online.
• Represented clients in CCMA, Bargaining Councils, and National Consumer Tribunal hearings, including preparation, cross-examination, and legal submissions.
• Handled Family and Children's Court matters — settlements, maintenance disputes, pleadings, and court appearances.
• Drafted and negotiated agreements (SLAs, employment contracts, rental agreements) and policy documents.
• Conducted legal research, prepared opinions, and advised clients on case strategy.
• Managed case files, deadlines, and client communications; liaised with Sheriffs and correspondent attorneys.

Employee Relations & IR Manager at Lesedi PFS (Pty) Ltd (2019-04 – 2023-12)

Focus: Labour relations, contract management

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts; (including but not limited to Service Level Agreements and Employment Contracts)
• Contribute to company policies.
• Managing Service Level Agreement Compliance
• Continuous contract management.
• Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated service agreements and employment contracts.
• Managed labour disputes for a workforce of ±1,200 employees, representing the company at CCMA.
• Designed and delivered staff training on labour legislation and company policies.

Anti-Counterfeiting Secretary (Level 3) at Spoor & Fisher (2018-07 – 2019-03)

• Drafting Affidavits, Combined Summons and Particulars of Claims and other legal correspondence.
• Ensuring all Statuary deadlines are met.
• Liaised with SAPS, SARS, and customs officials regarding counterfeit goods.
• Coordinated destruction of counterfeit goods and managed compliance tracking
• General billing and invoicing duties

Contracts Manager at EOH Abantu (Pty) Ltd t/a Highveld PFS (2011-08 – 2018-06)

• Managed contract negotiation, compliance, and labour relations.
• Member of Risk Board providing legal risk analysis for strategic decisions.
• Promoted three times for high performance.

Office Manager at Graca & Gaspari (Space-Frame) (2008-07 – 2011-07)

• Responsible for full administrative management including quotations and client correspondence.

Reconciliations Officer & Electronic Banker at Computershare (2008-02 – 2008-06)

• Handled shareholder account reconciliations and high volume electronic payment processing.

LLB in Bachelor of Laws – University of South Africa (Unisa)

BCom in Law – University of South Africa (Unisa)

PLT in Practical Legal Training – L.E.A.D (Legal Education & Development)

Certificate in Project Management – Northlink College (Tygerberg Campus)

Certification in Trail Advocacy – Black Lawyers Association