Soyini Garnette
London,United Kingdom
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in legal research and analysis, communication, and problem-solving. Demonstrates strong leadership and team-building skills, complemented by proficiency in public speaking and public relations. Adept at trading compliance auditing, with a focus on ensuring regulatory adherence. Committed to leveraging skills to drive organisational success and foster collaborative environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Research Assistant
Criminal Appeal Project University of East London
London
- Supported case preparation for criminal appeals by thoroughly reviewing trial records, including court transcripts, witness statements, and legal filings, to identify relevant issues for potential grounds of appeal.
- Organised and indexed case materials to ensure efficient access to documentation during drafting and submission stages.
- Conducted detailed legal research on criminal case law, statutory interpretation, procedural rules, and sentencing guidelines to support written submissions to the Court of Appeal.
- Worked under the supervision of qualified solicitors and academic staff to assist in drafting preliminary legal arguments and briefing notes.
- Contributed to a collaborative legal team focused on addressing potential miscarriages of justice, demonstrating analytical precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical legal practice.
Trading Compliance Analysis
Burberry Ltd
London
02.2025 - 04.2025
- Interpreted international and domestic trading legislation affecting trading processes to mitigate commercial risks.
- Verified accurate HS codes, tariff classifications, and customs declarations to prevent penalties.
- Investigated compliance breaches and regulatory violations to ensure adherence to standards.
- Conducted root cause analyses of trade compliance failures, implementing corrective actions effectively.
- Collaborated with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies to address compliance issues.
- Developed internal compliance policies consistent with international trade laws.
- Trained supply chain, logistics, and finance teams on import/export compliance practices.
- Performed internal audits and compliance risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Legal Assistant
University of East London Legal Advice Centre
London
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Conducted in-depth legal research to support family law cases, including matters involving divorce, child custody, and spousal support.
- Analysed relevant statutes, case law, and local regulations to assist in case preparation.
- Assisted in drafting responses to claims and defences in housing-related disputes, ensuring clarity, legal accuracy, and alignment with procedural requirements.
- Supported the preparation of client advice letters by summarising legal findings and outlining clear, practical legal instructions under solicitor supervision.
- Ensured confidentiality and professionalism in all client interactions and contributed to the centre's commitment to accessible legal support for underserved communities.
Logistics Coordinator
Chopard Perfumes Ltd
London
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Generated accurate purchase orders (POs) in line with internal requisitions, ensuring alignment with company policies, budgets, and supplier agreements.
- Verified pricing, quantities, and contractual terms prior to issuing POs to ensure compliance and cost control.
- Liaised with international suppliers to confirm order details, delivery schedules, and resolve any order discrepancies or delays.
- Managed PO and invoice reconciliation, identifying and addressing inconsistencies in pricing, quantities, and delivery records.
- Ensured full compliance with international customs regulations and trade restrictions, coordinating closely with customs brokers to facilitate smooth import/export operations.
- Prepared and reviewed all shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and letters of credit, to meet regulatory and logistical requirements.
- Coordinated the submission of export/import permits and trade certificates, maintaining accuracy and timeliness to avoid customs delays.
- Monitored global developments in trade law, tariffs, and customs procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
- Played a key role in maintaining supply chain efficiency and ensuring the timely delivery of luxury fragrance products to international markets.
Export Manager
Tamakay Mining Ltd
Georgetown
03.2016 - 02.2018
- Coordinated the logistics and movement of mineral commodities, including gold and diamonds, from local miners to international buyers, ensuring timely and secure delivery.
- Prepared and submitted export documentation for gold shipments through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), in compliance with regulatory standards for export to European markets.
- Ensured completion and accuracy of diamond export documentation, including compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for conflict-free trade.
- Arranged secure courier and freight forwarding services, coordinating with authorised agents to manage international shipments from origin to final destination.
- Procured and managed shipping insurance coverage to safeguard high-value shipments throughout the supply chain.
- Liaised directly with international buyers to confirm the safe receipt and integrity of shipments, ensuring end-to-end transparency and customer satisfaction.
- Audited and maintained export and customs documentation to verify the correct calculation and payment of Value-Added Tax (VAT) to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
- Maintained up-to-date records and ensured full compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, and export licensing obligations.
Trading Compliance Coordinator
Chanel Limited
London
02.2013 - 03.2016
- Prepared and managed import and export documentation in accordance with HMRC customs and trade audit requirements, ensuring all records met regulatory standards.
- Compiled, recorded, and systematically filed all customs documentation to support internal audits and external HMRC inspections.
- Audited customs entries to verify the accuracy of VAT and duty payments, identifying discrepancies and ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Developed and implemented internal procedures to ensure adherence to UK customs regulations, based on HMRC compliance guidelines.
- Managed the application process for Outward Processing Relief (OPR) and Inward Processing Relief (IPR) licences, and coordinated related shipments to ensure proper use of customs schemes.
- Prepared export documentation for global shipments to South Africa, Canada, USA, Europe, and Ireland, ensuring compliance with international shipping laws and destination-specific requirements.
- Delivered customs and compliance training to the High Street Sales Team, focusing on duty-free regulations, VAT procedures, and international trade protocols.
- Supported the sales team in completing duty-free sales transactions in accordance with HMRC and customs regulations.
- Coordinated Merchandise in Baggage (MIB) shipments and transfers of high-value luxury goods, including preparation of Dangerous Goods labels, Letters of Origin, CITES applications, and GSP/EUR1 movement certificates.
- Arranged and coordinated courier services for clients located in remote or hard-to-access areas, ensuring timely and secure deliveries.
- Negotiated freight rates with international couriers and freight forwarding agents to optimise logistics costs.
- Provided customs clearance instructions for customers returning goods to the UK, ensuring accurate declarations and smooth re-entry processing.
- Developed internal compliance policies aligning with trade regulations and business objectives, enhancing operational integrity and risk management.
- Delivered training to cross-functional teams on export controls, sanctions compliance, tariff classifications, and other key trade compliance areas.
- Led the implementation of compliance automation tools to streamline documentation, reduce error rates, and improve audit readiness.
Education
Bachelor of Laws - Law
University of East London
09.2022 - 06.2025
Bachelor of Business Management - Business
Canterbury Christ Church University
09.2021 - 06.2022
Trading Compliance and Logistics - Trading
DLC Training Ltd
City of London 01.2015 - 03.2016
Skills
- Legal research and analysis
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Leadership
- Team building
- Public speaking
- Public relations
- Trading compliance auditing capability
Custom
- President, University of East London Law Society, (Final Year)
- Captain, University of East London Mooting Team
- Course Representative, Level 6 LLB Programme
Timeline
Trading Compliance Analysis
Burberry Ltd
02.2025 - 04.2025
Legal Assistant
University of East London Legal Advice Centre
08.2024 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Laws - Law
University of East London
09.2022 - 06.2025
Bachelor of Business Management - Business
Canterbury Christ Church University
09.2021 - 06.2022
Logistics Coordinator
Chopard Perfumes Ltd
03.2018 - 12.2018
Export Manager
Tamakay Mining Ltd
03.2016 - 02.2018
Trading Compliance and Logistics - Trading
DLC Training Ltd
01.2015 - 03.2016
Trading Compliance Coordinator
Chanel Limited
02.2013 - 03.2016
Research Assistant
Criminal Appeal Project University of East London
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