Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Memberships and Licenses
Awards and Extra Curricular Activities
Timeline
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Miss Nishika Rochelle Nissanka

14Avenue Road, North Finchley, London,N12 8PY,

Summary

Dynamic and dedicated legal professional with comprehensive experience in civil and criminal litigation, notarial practice, and international commercial law. Proven expertise in drafting complex legal documents, managing diverse caseloads, and representing clients in various legal forums. Adept at conducting thorough legal research, risk assessment, and providing strategic advice to achieve favorable outcomes. Strong understanding of UK legal frameworks and full exemption from SQE2 granted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, with SQE1 preparation underway. Committed to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales and advancing a career grounded in professionalism, ethical conduct, and client-focused communication.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
12105
12105
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Legal Caseworker

VMD Solicitors Ltd
London, United Kingdom
06.2023 - Current
  • Provide vital support to solicitors and partners across diverse practice areas including Immigration Law, Employment Law, Civil Litigation, and Family Law.
  • Conduct detailed legal research and analysis to assist in case preparation and strategy development.
  • Draft and review legal documents and correspondence in strict compliance with procedural and regulatory standards.
  • Manage and maintain comprehensive case files, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
  • Liaise effectively with solicitors, clients, and stakeholders to facilitate smooth case progression and uphold client service excellence.
  • Prioritize and organize tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced legal environment.
  • Demonstrate strong understanding of UK legal principles and procedures, contributing to case management at a level comparable to a newly qualified solicitor.
  • Adhere rigorously to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s ethical and professional standards.

Legal PA to Principal Solicitor

VMD Solicitors Ltd.
London, United Kingdom
10.2022 - 06.2023
  • Provided high-level administrative and legal support to the Principal Solicitor, ensuring efficient management of daily legal operations.
  • Coordinated schedules, managed correspondence, and facilitated communication between clients, solicitors, and external parties.
  • Assisted in the preparation and review of legal documents, maintaining strict adherence to procedural standards.
  • Organized case files and maintained accurate records to support case progression and compliance.
  • Conducted preliminary legal research and gathered information to aid case strategy and decision-making.
  • Managed confidential information with discretion and upheld the highest ethical standards.
  • Streamlined office procedures to enhance productivity and support the solicitor’s workload effectively.

Attorney-at-Law & Notary Public (Private Practice)

Supreme Court of Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
02.2020 - 02.2022
  • Practiced independently as an Attorney-at-Law, managing both civil and criminal litigation, with a strong focus on property disputes, family law, debt recovery, and criminal defense.
  • Represented clients at police stations during inquiries, ensuring their legal rights were protected from the outset of proceedings.
  • Prepared all legal documentation independently—including plaints, answers, submissions, and pleadings—drawing on the practical experience and drafting proficiency gained during prior training under Ms. Shirmila R. Silva, Attorney-at-Law.
  • Conducted a broad range of notarial work in accordance with the official and ethical standards for a Notary in Sri Lanka. Independently executed and attested various legal instruments, including Lease Agreements, Transfer Deeds, Gifts, and Promises for Sale.
  • Performed legal certifications and affirmations in my capacity as a Commissioner for Oaths.
  • Successfully handled a diverse caseload, maintaining strong advocacy, efficient case management, and consistent client communication.
  • Upheld the highest ethical and professional standards across all legal and notarial engagements, with a commitment to integrity and confidentiality.

Junior Attorney-at-Law

Chambers of Ms Shirmila R. Silva (Attorney-at-Law)
Colombo, Sri Lanka
02.2020 - 02.2022
  • Managed complex criminal litigation, handling a wide range of offenses from minor to serious, alongside civil litigation involving commercial disputes, debt recovery, family law, and testamentary matters.
  • Drafted and attested legal documents required for both civil and criminal proceedings, ensuring procedural compliance and clarity.
  • Represented high-profile clients in Court, protecting their interests and reputation through strategic advocacy.
  • Provided comprehensive legal support, including risk assessments and expert advice, to achieve successful dispute resolutions.
  • Engaged in notarial work such as conveyancing and deed execution, maintaining accuracy and adherence to legal standards.
  • Maintained strong client relationships through clear communication and professionalism.
  • Demonstrated leadership and upheld the highest ethical standards in independent case management.

Legal Apprenticeship

Chambers of Ms Shirmila R. Silva (Attorney-at-Law)
Colombo, Sri Lanka
06.2019 - 12.2019
  • Completed a 6-month apprenticeship as part of Attorney-at-Law qualification, gaining practical experience in both civil and criminal legal cases and court procedures.
  • Drafted various legal documents including plaints, answers, and other pleadings for civil cases, as well as written submissions for criminal matters.
  • Prepared a comprehensive and mandatory Deed Book, accurately documenting transfers, leases, and exchanges, developing extensive conveyancing knowledge.
  • Supported daily legal operations through document drafting and case management under direct supervision.
  • Participated in court visits, case preparation, and client consultations.
  • Maintained strict adherence to ethical standards and professionalism, exemplifying respect, decorum, and courtroom protocol throughout all judicial proceedings.

Legal Internship

Hemas Holdings PLC
Colombo, Sri Lanka
02.2018 - 03.2018
  • Supported the in-house legal team with matters involving Contract Law, Company Law, Commercial Law, Business Law, and Intellectual Property Law.
  • Assisted in reviewing contracts, IP registrations and internal compliance policies.

Legal Internship

Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd
Colombo, Sri Lanka
10.2017 - 01.2018
  • Gained exposure to Contract, Commercial, and International Trade Law in a major infrastructure setting.
  • Assisted in the legal review of high-value agreements involving the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS), a nationally significant logistics project.
  • Contributed to cross-border agreement assessments, including donations involving foreign governments such as China.

Legal Internship

Chambers of Mr. K. Indatissa (President's Counsel)
Colombo, Sri Lanka
06.2017 - 12.2017
  • Received hands-on exposure to Criminal Litigation, Evidence Law, and Court Procedure under the mentorship of a President’s Counsel.
  • Observed pre-trial conferences, bail applications, and cross-examinations in serious criminal matters.
  • Gained practical understanding of courtroom conduct, litigation strategy, and the criminal justice system.

Education

Solicitors Qualifying Examination - (SQE1) -

Solicitors Regulation Authority
London, United Kingdom

Attorney-at-Law Examination (Bar Examination) -

Sri Lanka Law College
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Master of Laws in International Commercial Law -

University of Westminster
London, United Kingdom

Bachelor of Laws -

University of London
London, United Kingdom

Diploma in Law -

University of London
London, United Kingdom

G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination -

St. Bridget's Convent
Colombo, Sri Lanka

G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination -

St. Bridget's Convent
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Skills

  • Legal research and analytical skills across multiple practice areas both in the UK and Sri Lanka
  • Litigation management and case handling in both civil and criminal fields
  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex legal documents and contracts
  • Notarial practice, including deed execution and attestations
  • Client relationship management and effective communication
  • Caseload organization and time management
  • Strong adherence to professional ethics and regulatory compliance
  • Independent preparation and redrafting of legal pleadings and court submissions

Memberships and Licenses

  • Solicitors Regulation Authority, United Kingdom - (SRA Number: 7175937)
  • Enrolled as an Attorney-at-Law, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka since February 2020 - (Supreme Court Enrolment Number: A27318)
  • Life Member, Bar Association of Sri Lanka since February 2020 - (BASL Membership Number: 658)
  • Commissioner for Oaths, Ministry of Justice, Sri Lanka since September 2020
  • Notary Public, State Ministry Of Internal Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management, Sri Lanka since November 2020

Awards and Extra Curricular Activities

  • Winner of the All Island Championship for Sri Lankan Folk Duo (2007) and Bharatha Natyam & Kandyan Troupe (2006) at the Sri Lanka Festival of Music, Dance, and Speech.
  • First Place, Female Cultural Dancing (Kandyan) at the 2012 Cultural Dancing Competition conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, Western Province, Sri Lanka.
  • Active member of the English Literary Association, Buddhism and Cultural Association, Sinhala Literary Association, Commerce Club, and Cultural Dancing Group. Served as Band Leader of the Oriental Band at St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Timeline

Legal Caseworker

VMD Solicitors Ltd
06.2023 - Current

Legal PA to Principal Solicitor

VMD Solicitors Ltd.
10.2022 - 06.2023

Attorney-at-Law & Notary Public (Private Practice)

Supreme Court of Sri Lanka
02.2020 - 02.2022

Junior Attorney-at-Law

Chambers of Ms Shirmila R. Silva (Attorney-at-Law)
02.2020 - 02.2022

Legal Apprenticeship

Chambers of Ms Shirmila R. Silva (Attorney-at-Law)
06.2019 - 12.2019

Legal Internship

Hemas Holdings PLC
02.2018 - 03.2018

Legal Internship

Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd
10.2017 - 01.2018

Legal Internship

Chambers of Mr. K. Indatissa (President's Counsel)
06.2017 - 12.2017

Solicitors Qualifying Examination - (SQE1) -

Solicitors Regulation Authority

Attorney-at-Law Examination (Bar Examination) -

Sri Lanka Law College

Master of Laws in International Commercial Law -

University of Westminster

Bachelor of Laws -

University of London

Diploma in Law -

University of London

G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination -

St. Bridget's Convent

G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination -

St. Bridget's Convent
Miss Nishika Rochelle Nissanka