Julianna Smith

I am a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with experience in legal support, case management, and administrative functions. I possess strong English communication skills and am able to interact professionally with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels. I have a proven ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and a high standard of work.

I am known for my strong sense of accountability, excellent follow-through, and proactive approach to problem-solving. I am comfortable working independently, taking initiative to ensure tasks are completed effectively and on time. My client-focused mindset enables me to handle sensitive matters with empathy, professionalism, and discretion.

In addition, I am adaptable, quick to learn new systems and processes, and enjoy working collaboratively within team-oriented environments. I am committed to continuous professional development and to contributing positively to the success of the organization through strong organizational, critical thinking, and administrative skills.

Paralegal at Muzariri Penny (2025-12 – 2026-03)

• General administration including email, calendar, meeting, and travel management.
• Bookkeeping support (Xero, invoicing).
• Practice and matter management, file maintenance, and client documentation.
• Preparing engagement letters, invoices, trust account documentation, and statements.
• Legal support including drafting, proofreading, entity establishment, PPSR, and conveyancing.
• Compliance support (AML/CTF framework, training registers, regulatory correspondence).
• Legal and commercial research, case summaries, and ad-hoc research tasks.
• Successfully drafted AML/CTF program templates including Risk assessment documents, Policy documents, Process documents and Personnel forms.

Legal Assistant at Devittie, Rudolph and Timba (2024-03 – 2024-11)

• Conducting research on legal issues including reviewing case law, statutes, and other legal sources to develop legal solutions.
• Accurately drafting pleadings.
• Participating in client meetings, listening to clients' needs, and providing legal advice.
• Drafting agreements including Agreement of Sale, Loan Agreements and Cession Agreements.
• Drafting Estate Planning documents including Notarial Deed of Trust and Notarial Deed of change of name.
• Drafting conveyancing documents including title deed, declarations by the Seller and declaration by the Purchaser.
• Assisting with administrative tasks such as filing, organising documents, and maintaining client files.
• Assisting in debt collection matters.
• Assisting in Family law matters including drafting of Particulars of claim, Appearance to defend, Pleas and Counterclaims.
• Sorting, distributing, and managing incoming/outgoing mails and calls.
• Assisting with filing, scanning, photocopying, and data entry.
• Preparing and updating documents, reports, or spreadsheets as requested.
• Responding to inquiries in person, by phone, and email.
• Coordinating with ZIMRA and participating in client meetings to facilitate the assessment, compliance, and resolution of Capital Gains Tax obligations.
• Successfully Developed a new system and procedures for the firm-Lexis Secure for the conveyancing department.

Legal Intern at BeraMasamba Commercial Law Firm (2020-07 – 2023-11)

• Conducting research on legal issues including reviewing case law, statutes, and other legal sources to develop legal solutions.
• Accurately drafting pleadings.
• Preparing commercial contracts, due diligence, and performing other tasks related to business transactions.
• Drafting agreements including Agreement of Sale, Loan Agreements and Cession Agreements.
• Drafting Estate Planning documents including Notarial Deed of Trust and Notarial Deed of change of name.
• Drafting conveyancing documents including title deed, declarations by the Seller and declaration by the Purchaser.
• Participating in client meetings, listening to clients' needs, and providing legal advice.
• Drafting company secretarial documents including annual returns, company forms and board resolutions.
• Supporting lawyers and legal teams by assisting in company secretarial, maintaining client files, and handling administrative tasks.
• Keeping updated with legal developments through reading legal publications and attending seminars and conferences.
• Observing court proceedings to gain practical experience and learn processes and procedures.
• Assisting with administrative tasks such as filing, organising documents, and maintaining client files.
• Drafting transaction implementation checklist.
• Scheduling and confirming appointments or meetings.
• Sorting, distributing, and managing incoming/outgoing mails and calls.
• Assisting with filing, scanning, photocopying, and data entry.
• Preparing and updating documents, reports, or spreadsheets as requested.
• Responding to inquiries in person, by phone, and email.
• Attending to various administrative tasks, including operating the switchboard and managing front desk reception duties.
• Successfully drafting complex real estate documents including conducting due diligence reviews.
• Successfully drafting conveyancing and estate planning templates for the law firm.
• Leading and presenting research on legal compliance standards by emerging regional economic communities.

Consultant at Law Clinic, University of Pretoria (2019 – 2019)

• Liaising with clients and assisting in arranging meetings with clients.
• Assisting with administrative tasks such as filing, organising documents, and maintaining client files.
• Research and drafting legal opinions and court documents with assistance from a qualified attorney.
• Successfully conducted consultations.
• Successfully provided counselling on possible outcomes and options under the supervision of a qualified attorney.

Legal Intern at Atherstone & Cook Law Firm (2018 – 2018)

• Conducting research on legal issues related to family law, property law and company law.
• Accurately drafting pleadings.
• Assisting with administrative tasks such as filing, organising documents, and maintaining client files.

Compliance Management in Compliance Management – University of Pretoria (2025)

Bar conversion Examinations for Zimbabwe in Law – Legal Practice Council (2024)

Competency Based Examinations (Board Exams) in Law – Legal Practice Council (2023)

Practical Legal Training, Enterprises in Law – University of Pretoria (2022)

Bachelor of Laws Honours (LLB) in Law – University of Pretoria (2019)

BA(LAW) Degree in Law – University of Pretoria (2017)

Cambridge Advanced Level Passes – Gateway High School (2013)

Cambridge IGCSE – Gateway High School (2011)