Maruschka January
Windhoek
Summary
I am an enthusiastic, highly adaptable, pro-active and self-motivated young woman with experience of working in a culturally diverse and technically demanding environment. I am a fast learner and always keen to learn new things as well as to develop my legal professional skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Public Prosecutor
Ministry of Justice: Directorate of Public Prosecutions
Aranos
05.2023 - Current
- Provided advice to investigating officers regarding the legality of investigative techniques and procedures.
- Advised undefended accused persons on criminal law matters, including criminal procedure rules, sentencing guidelines, and other related issues.
- Conducted legal research on criminal matters and drafted charge annexures, specifying the details of the offence.
- Appeared in court to present evidence or arguments at bail applications and trials.
- Cross-examined witnesses during trial proceedings.
- Negotiated plea bargains with defense counsels for defendants charged with crimes.
- Researched precedent cases to determine how similar cases were adjudicated in the past.
- Presented court cases to defense counsels and magistrates.
- Presented evidence to prosecute accused persons in criminal litigation.
- The position requires knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
Senior Legal Advisor
Ministry of Justice:Directorate of Legal Aid
Karasburg
05.2019 - 04.2023
- Upon instruction from the Directorate of Legal Aid, I appeared for and defended indigent Namibian citizens who could not afford private lawyers for their criminal matters.
- Researched relevant law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions and legal articles for case preparation.
- Monitored changes in relevant legislation and assessed their impact on accused persons cases.
- Maintained current knowledge of laws to provide clarification on legal concerns.
- Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for accused persons
- Evaluated findings and developed strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Presented court cases to prosecutors and magistrates.
- Presented evidence to defend accused persons in criminal litigation.
- Interviewed witnesses relevant to cases.
- The majority of the work required experience and knowledge of the application of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, however, I was also tasked to resolve a few civil matters.
Complaints Analyst
NAMFISA
Windhoek
06.2018 - 10.2018
- Analysis of complaints from the Namibian public against non-banking financial service providers.
- Thorough evaluation of the documentation attached to the complaint.
- Maintained relationships with customers during the complaint process while providing timely updates.
- Drafted letters detailing findings of investigation and recommended corrective actions.
- Applied relevant contractual or legislative provisions in order to resolve the matter.
Legal Advisor
Labour Supply Chain
Windhoek
04.2016 - 02.2017
- Acting as chairperson in disciplinary hearings.
- Writing up the rulings of the proceedings, as well as the sanctions, should an individual be found guilty of the alleged misconduct. This required intensive legal research and reasoning skills in order to justify arriving at the respective decisions.
- Receiving queries and advising clients as well as the company's senior management on labour disputes.
- Representing the company as well as its clients before the labour commissioner, should matters be referred for conciliation.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LLB) - Law (Pre-Law)
University of Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia04.2018
Baccallaureus Juris (B Juris) - Law (Pre-Law)
University of Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia04.2013
HIGCSE Certificate -
St. Paul's College
Windhoek, Namibia12.2006
Skills
- Client Representation and Advisement
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Litigation Experience
- Presenting Evidence
- Investigation Skills
- Oral Argument
- Legal Writing
- Court Procedures
- Legal Document Preparation
References
- Mekukuye Hanry Mbaha
Manager of Consumer Complaints and Education Department,NAMFISA
Cell: 081 045 7092
- Stefanus Coetzee
Chief Legal Officer for Directorate of Legal Aid, Keetmanshoop
081 296 9093
- Yvonne McLeod
Magistrate of Aranos Divisionsal Court
081 129 1468
Timeline
Senior Public Prosecutor
Ministry of Justice: Directorate of Public Prosecutions
05.2023 - Current
Senior Legal Advisor
Ministry of Justice:Directorate of Legal Aid
05.2019 - 04.2023
Complaints Analyst
NAMFISA
06.2018 - 10.2018
Legal Advisor
Labour Supply Chain
04.2016 - 02.2017
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LLB) - Law (Pre-Law)
University of Namibia
Baccallaureus Juris (B Juris) - Law (Pre-Law)
University of Namibia
HIGCSE Certificate -
St. Paul's College
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