COFFEE WITH JESSICA LEWIS

I am an ambitious and solutions-driven finance lawyer with demonstrable experience in domestic and cross-border debt finance transactions. My specialties include banking and finance law, structured trade and commodity finance, international trade, agricultural finance and syndicated lending transactions. I am passionate about entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, education, mentorship and the advancement of women in business and leadership. I support these causes through active involvement in non-profit organisations such as the Business women’s Association of South Africa, the Black Management Forum and Academic Access Foundation NPC.

I pride myself on my ability to produce and deliver good quality work efficiently, being reliable and having a succinct style of communication. I am always keen to understand the client’s business and needs before putting pen to paper and strive for excellence and practical legal advice on each deal to achieve a successful closing. Professional excellence and integrity are non-negotiable and each interaction with a client an opportunity to learn, grow and build a relationship based on trust with that client.

My knowledge and skill set were developed through my experience working as an associate at two top tier international law firms in South Africa. During this time, I played an integral role in a team of specialist trade finance lawyers appointed by local and international financial institutions, commodity traders and funds to act as lead counsel on various cross-border deals. I also have experience in general corporate and commercial law and mergers and acquisitions.

The ethos of Adriaans Attorneys is quite commendable and the leadership style is a breath of fresh air. All stakeholders are treated on an equal footing, making politics rare and the staff a great pleasure to work with. The vision and values of the firm are clear because effective communication is at the forefront of this business. It’s a privilege to work with the respectful, driven and genuinely good people that make up the Adriaans Attorneys clan!