Marica Tavakuru
Lautoka,Fiji
Summary
Experienced Barrister & Solicitor with 9+ years in legal practice. Proven ability to deliver exceptional legal services, emphasizing ethics and client representation. Proficient in legal research, dispute resolution, and strategic advisory roles, committed to justice and community impact. Prepared to contribute expertise in a fast-paced legal environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
In House Legal Counsel
Sugar Cane Growers Council
Lautoka
02.2023 - Current
- Managed Legal, aligning strategic direction with SCGC objectives in litigation, compliance, and governance.
- Advised CEO and management on legal risks, employment matters, and regulatory compliance.
- Drafted and reviewed various legal documents, including wills, contracts, and agreements for growers.
- Oversaw legal services for cane growers across Fiji, managing estate and land transfer issues.
- Ensured compliance with corporate governance codes and statutory regulations through audits.
- Directed internal policy drafting and provided guidance on employment contracts and compliance.
- Prepared board papers and quarterly reports for Ministry of Sugar and internal documentation.
- Conducted legal research to inform policy development and monitor legislative changes.
Senior Associate
Falcon Chambers
Lautoka
09.2022 - 02.2023
- Provided legal advice in civil, family, criminal, and employment law matters.
- Represented clients in court, applying effective litigation strategies and advocacy.
- Drafted and finalized legal documents, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to support client cases and interpretations.
- Negotiated settlements to promote efficient case management and reduce judicial burden.
- Managed legal files with precision, integrity, and confidentiality throughout processes.
- Delivered legal opinions on compliance with court requirements and complex issues.
- Handled property matters, ensuring lawful transfer procedures during real estate settlements.
Senior Associate
Krishna & Co
Lautoka
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Provided legal counsel on civil, family, criminal, and employment law matters.
- Represented clients in High Court and Magistrates' Court for various proceedings.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including court pleadings and contracts, ensuring compliance with legislation.
- Applied litigation strategies and advocacy to uphold fairness and justice in court representations.
- Negotiated settlements to enhance case management and alleviate judicial burdens.
- Conducted legal research to interpret legislation and support client needs effectively.
- Managed legal files with precision, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with statutory requirements.
- Delivered comprehensive legal opinions on complex family, civil, and criminal law issues.
Senior Associate
Vijay Naidu & Associates
Lautoka
06.2016 - 06.2022
- Prepared and managed applications for property transfers and Capital Gains Tax Certificates, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Negotiated and settled property purchase agreements with law firms and financial institutions, facilitating efficient transactions.
- Drafted and finalized legal documents, including wills, probates, and contracts, delivering essential protections for clients.
- Managed complex property transactions and disputes, mitigating risks and enhancing transaction efficiency.
- Handled company law matters, including share transfers and registrations with the Registrar of Companies.
- Provided timely legal advice to clients on civil, family, criminal, commercial, and property law issues.
- Represented clients in Magistrates' and High Court proceedings, gaining expertise in litigation strategy.
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case development and client advisory.
Associate
Vijay Naidu & Associates
Lautoka
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Resolved complex property purchase agreements to enhance transaction efficiency and minimize legal risks.
- Oversaw company-related matters, including share transfers and company registrations.
- Drafted, reviewed, and finalized legal documents for diverse transactions.
- Provided legal guidance to clients on a variety of issues.
- Represented clients in Magistrates and High Court proceedings, developing litigation strategies.
- Negotiated settlements to achieve favorable outcomes and reduce litigation costs.
- Maintained detailed case files and documentation to support legal processes.
- Conducted extensive legal research to inform clients about legislative impacts.
Associate
Natasha Khan Associates
Lautoka
07.2014 - 10.2014
- Facilitated client meetings to address concerns and provide updates.
- Managed court proceedings at Magistrates and High Court, specializing in Criminal and Family matters.
- Conducted hearings in Magistrates Court, ensuring adherence to legal protocols.
Education
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice - GDLP
University of Fiji
06-2013
Bachelor of Laws - LLB
University of Fiji
Suva 04-2013
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Team collaboration
- Corporate governance
- Commercial contract management
- Document preparation and review
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Real estate law
- Strategic planning
- Team collaboration
- Corporate governance
- Commercial contract management
- Document preparation and review
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Real estate law
Hobbies and Interests
Traveling, baking and cooking, reading, socializing
Languages
English
First Language
Hindi
Proficient (C2)
C2
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Fijian
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Affiliations
- Member of the Fiji Women Lawyers Association
- Member of the Management for Lautoka School for Special Education
- President of the SCGC Social & Sports Committee
References
- VIMAL SACHIN DUTT; Chief Executive Officer-Sugar Cane Growers Council, Lautoka; vimal.dutt@scgc.com.fj;
- SUNIL DEO CHAUDHARY; General Manager Operations-Sugar Cane Growers Council, Lautoka; sunil.chaudhary@scgc.com.fj, +6799997275,
- SHAILENDRA KRISHNA, Principal- Krishna & Co, Lautoka; shailendkrishna@gmail.com, +6796662144,
- VIKRANT CHANDRA, Partner-Millbrook Hills Law Partners; vikrant@millbrookhillslaw.com, +6797775106
- VIJAY CHAND NAIDU, Principal-Vijay Naidu & Associates, Lautoka; vijaynaidu48@gmail.com, +6797775299,
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
In House Legal Counsel
Sugar Cane Growers Council
02.2023 - Current
Senior Associate
Falcon Chambers
09.2022 - 02.2023
Senior Associate
Krishna & Co
06.2022 - 09.2022
Senior Associate
Vijay Naidu & Associates
06.2016 - 06.2022
Associate
Natasha Khan Associates
07.2014 - 10.2014
Associate
Vijay Naidu & Associates
06.2014 - 06.2016
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice - GDLP
University of Fiji
Bachelor of Laws - LLB
University of Fiji
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