Practical Foundation
With 15 years of experience as a legal secretary prior to admission, I possess a unique, ground-up understanding of the legal field.
Resilience
Completing my LLB while working full-time demonstrates the grit and unwavering dedication I bring to every case I handle.
Specialized Focus
A targeted specialization in Insurance Law and Public Liability ensures expert representation for insurers and state entities.
Professional Profile
Joanne commenced her legal career in 2000 as a junior legal secretary after completing her first year of legal studies. Financial constraints necessitated a pause in her education, leading her to gain early experience in the legal field.
Over the next 15 years, she progressed to senior legal secretary status, developing expertise across multiple practice areas, including High Court, Magistrate’s Court litigation, insurance law, commercial litigation, family law, insolvency, and labour law.
In 2015, she resumed her studies, completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of South Africa (UNISA) while working full-time as a Candidate Attorney under a Senior Attorney specialising in Insurance and Civil Litigation in Fourways.
She graduated in June 2018 and was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa on 24 October 2019, subsequently practising as a Professional Assistant at the same firm.
In October 2022, Joanne founded J Fitzhenry Attorneys Inc., where she specialises in insurance law, with a particular focus on public liability insurance. Her practice involves representing insurers, underwriting agencies, brokers, and state entities in recovery and liability claims, covering both motor and non-motor disputes.
Additionally, she has extensive experience in commercial litigation, including debt recovery for private and public sector clients. Joanne further enhanced her qualifications with an Advanced Short Course in Business Rescue Practice (2022).
“My unwavering dedication speaks for itself, reflecting a passion that serves not only my clients’ needs but also a continuous drive for professional growth.”
Contact Details
Email Address
joanne@jflegal.co.za
Phone Number
(072) 647 5948
Areas of Expertise
Insurance & Public Liability
Representing insurers, underwriting agencies, brokers, and state entities in recovery and liability claims (motor and non-motor).
Commercial Litigation
Comprehensive handling of commercial disputes and debt recovery for private and public sector clients.
Business Rescue
Enhanced qualifications with an Advanced Short Course in Business Rescue Practice (2022).
“Joanne’s journey from the ground up gives her an edge—she understands the mechanics of the court system better than anyone I know and her dedication is unmatched.”
Long-standing Client
Corporate Sector