Natalie Bailey

I am an admitted Attorney with over 20 years' experience in civil litigation, family and matrimonial law, personal injury, labour law and commercial matters, with right of appearance in the High Court. I hold an LLB from the University of Cape Town and practical legal training. I bring strong drafting, advocacy and strategic litigation skills, sound legal judgment, and a disciplined, ethical approach to practice.

I value professionalism, accountability and client-focused service, and I have a proven record of building lasting client relationships, managing litigation teams, driving fee recovery and contributing to business development through referrals from clients, colleagues, advocates and the bench.

Associate Attorney at Anthony Wilton Thinane Attorneys (2025-03 – 2025-09)

Specialisation: Civil, Family, Matrimonial Law, Road Accident Fund

• Built strong client relationships, generating referrals and new business.
• Drafted pleadings, notices, settlement agreements, and draft court orders for Magistrate and High Courts.
• Represented clients in opposed and unopposed applications and divorces in Magistrate Courts.
• Acted on behalf of correspondent attorneys in court matters.
• Managed administrative tasks including fee posting, meeting targets, and following up on outstanding payments.

Senior Associate Attorney at Burger Huyser Attorneys (2024-01 – 2024-10)

Specialisation: Civil, Family, Matrimonial Law

• Developed client engagements, strengthening relationships and achieving high service satisfaction.
• Gathered client instructions and applied legal knowledge to case strategy and implementation.
• Drafted pleadings, notices, settlement agreements, and High Court applications.
• Prepared briefs and liaised with advocates for complex matters.
• Represented clients in Civil, Maintenance, and Domestic Violence Courts.
• Oversaw administrative functions, including fee collection and tracking outstanding payments.

Associate at Swartz Attorneys (2022-01 – 2023-03)

Specialisation: Personal Injury – Road Accident Fund & Medical Negligence

• Consulted with clients and lodged claims with the RAF, drafting settlement proposals and negotiating outcomes.
• Drafted High Court pleadings and notices for RAF, medical negligence, and slip-and-fall matters.
• Reviewed expert reports and incorporated findings into settlement strategies.
• Attended block settlement consultations at RAF offices, developing key professional relationships.
• Advised clients on offers and the reasonableness of settlements.
• Prepared detailed breakdowns of fees and disbursements for clients.

Associate Attorney at Yammin Hammond Attorneys (2018-06 – 2019-06)

Specialisation: Labour Law, Civil Litigation, Family & Matrimonial Law

• Represented clients in family, matrimonial, employment, and labour matters at courts and bargaining councils.
• Drafted correspondence, pleadings, and notices; prepared and attended trials and motion applications in the High Court.
• Managed fee posting and recovery, consistently exceeding targets.

Head of Litigation Department at Calteaux Attorneys (2017-06 – 2018-06)

Specialisation: Civil Litigation, Matrimonial & Family Law

• Managed Litigation Department operations, supervising staff and overseeing performance.
• Built relationships with clients, advocates, and court personnel.
• Represented clients in trials and handled deceased estates.
• Oversaw administrative functions, including fee collection and case management.

Associate Attorney at Dyason Attorneys (2015-08 – 2017-05)

Specialisation: High Court, Civil & Commercial Law, Deceased Estates

• Conducted client consultations, pre-trial conferences, and settlements
• Drafted legal documentation and liaised with advocates on matters.
• Represented clients in Magistrate and High Court proceedings.
• Assisted in trusts, intellectual property, and company administration matters.

Lecturer (Legal Subjects) at Cape Town University of Technology & Varsity College (2015-01 – 2015-07)

• Lectured Law and BCom students in Insolvency, Financial Planning, Public and Mercantile Law.
• Developed course notes, assignments, and lectures incorporating practical legal experience.

Associate / Head of Litigation Department at Guthrie & Colananni (Formerly Guthrie & Rushton) (2006-04 – 2014-06)

Specialisation: High Court, Family Law, Commercial Law, Insolvency, Civil Litigation

• Managed Litigation Department, supervising associates, candidate attorneys, and support staff.
• Built strong professional relationships with judges, magistrates, advocates, and court personnel.
• Represented clients in High Court and Magistrate Court litigation, including contested wills and civil matters.
• Assisted with deceased estates and collaborated on trial strategies and departmental outcomes.
• Supported marketing initiatives to grow the client base and strengthen the firm's reputation.

Associate Attorney / Head of Debt Collection Department at De Abreu & Cohen Inc. (2004-03 – 2006-03)

Specialisation: Debt Collection, Family & Matrimonial Matters

• Managed Debt Collection Department, including team leadership and case oversight.
• Represented clients in debt collection (Section 65), family, maintenance, and civil courts.
• Drafted pleadings, notices, and correspondence for High Court and Magistrate Court matters.

Associate Attorney at Kaminer, Kriger & Associates (2002-11 – 2004-02)

Specialisation: Evictions & Debt Collection

• Consulted with clients and represented them in residential evictions and magistrate court proceedings.
• Drafted arrear rental summons, divorce and civil summons.

Candidate Attorney at Buchanan Boyes (STBB) (2001-08 – 2002-09)

Specialisation: Civil, Debt Collection, Family & Matrimonial Law, Estate Administration

• Completed Practical Legal Training and one-year articles.
• Drafted pleadings and appeared in Section 65 courts, High Court, and Family Courts.
• Developed professional relationships with magistrates and court personnel.

Bachelor of Laws in LLB – University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Law – University of South Africa (UNISA)

Secondary Education – Jeppe Girls High School (1994)