Mari Garanito

I am a seasoned attorney with extensive experience looking for a new challenge in my career. Willing to relocate

Practicing Attorney at SMITH GARANITO ATTORNEYS (2021-01 – Present)

• Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
• Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
• Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
• Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
• Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
• Counselled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
• Analysed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
• Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
• Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
• Concentrating on administration of deceased estates, Conveyancing and providing clients with advice regarding estate planning, their Will and possible creation of trusts Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs. Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
• Advised clients on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and other business matters.
• Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients. Communicated with clients and collected information to research cases and prepare settlement offers.

Practicing Attorney at Marais Muller Hendricks (Kuils River) (2011-01 – 2020-11)

• Contracts and general litigation
• Director, which entailed management of personnel and finances Specific expertise in Wills, estate planning, estate duty calculations, administration of deceased estates, formation and administration of trusts
• Managed Wills/Estates and Trust department.
• Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
• Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
• Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
• Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
• Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
• Counselled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
• Analysed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
• Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
• Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
• Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs. Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
• Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients. Communicated with clients and collected information to research cases and prepare settlement offers.
• Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.

Shop Assistant at Simply Silver (2005-01 – 2010-01)

• Greeted customers entering store and helped with requirements.
• Completed daily tasks accurately and on time to support shop needs.
• Checked incoming orders and organized new stock.
• Organized shelves to remove slow moving items and add new merchandise.
• Helped managers with daily checklists and last-minute requirements.
• Liaise with clients, manage sales and casual staff in absence of permanent manager. Maximized safety and production levels by frequently cleaning and organizing work areas.
• Remained calm and composed in tense situations involving angry or upset customers. Assisted customers in finding items and explained benefits and services to increase sales and satisfaction.
• Collected payment by cash, debit or credit card and used Point of Sale system to process transaction.
• Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
• Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
• Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers. Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products. Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual

Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning in Financial Planning – University Of The Free State (2015-12)

LLB in Law – Stellenbosch University (2009-12)

BCom(Law) in Business – Stellenbosch University (2007-12)

High School Diploma – Brackenfell High School (2004-12)