Education / Qualifications

Stellenbosch University (2006 - 2008)

MComm (Industrial Psychology) cum laude

UNISA (2005 - 2006)

Hons BA (Industrial Psychology) cum laude

University of Cape Town (1990 - 1994)

BA LLB –  Dean’s Merit List

Professional Registration / Membership

HPCSA (PS  0104701)

SIOPSA (S 13552007)

SAMLA

Legal Practice Council

(non-practicing roll)

Contact details

LinkedIn
bernadette-furnell-0b56a325

  

Skills / Medico-Legal Expertise

• Investigative & Research Driven
• Analytical & Critical Thinking
• Rigorous Evaluation of Evidence
• Excellent Communication Skills(written and verbal)
• Languages: English and Afrikaans
• Meticulous Attention to Detail
• Objectivity
• Sensitivity & Empathy
• Knowledge of Delictual Law
• 14 years’ Experience
• (Medico-Legal Expert)
• 24 years’ Experience
• (Law and Psychology)
• Compiled 600+ reports
• Negotiation of Joint Minutes
• Involved in High-Value Quantum Cases
• Courtroom Experience
• Well-Regarded Expert

Bernadette  Furnell    
Industrial Psychologist & Medico-Legal Expert

Professional Profile

• Experienced Medico-legal Expert and Director of Furnell & Associates, an Industrial Psychology consultancy firm focusing largely on loss of income claims.
• Qualified Attorney and Industrial Psychologist with extensive experience in the assessment, investigation and reporting of personal injury cases involving: clinical/ medical negligence, road traffic accidents (Road Accident Fund), train accidents, public liability claims and resultant loss of support claims.
• Worked with both Plaintiffs and Defendants.  Developed a unique understanding of the complexities of medico-legal work, the value of collecting credible evidence and the ethical standards and guidelines that guide this field of practice.
• Established in the medico-legal field as an independent and objective expert witness who has gained considerable High Court experience and is highly regarded in her field of expertise.
• Corporate consulting (ad hoc): Organisational development and human resource initiatives within large multi-national companies.

Work Experience

2007–Present

Furnell & Associates (Pty) Ltd (formerly Atkins & Furnell)               

 Director – Industrial Psychologist & Expert Witness                                                                

Medico-legal assessments (personal injury, loss of income).                             

2003–2006

UNISA & Varsity College      

Part-time lecturer/tutor (whilst studying)                                                         Roman-Dutch and Family Law & Industrial Psychology.

September 2002–July 2003

Equillore Dispute Settlement Solutions (formerly The Arbitration Forum)  Branch Manager – Cape Town & Bellville offices.     

Work Experience - continued

February 2002–July 2002 (short contract)

Kruger & Co Attorneys                                                                                         Attorney – Settlement and litigation of personal injury claims.                                                        

January 2000–January 2002

Equillore Dispute Settlement Solutions (formerly The Arbitration Forum)  Regional Sales & Marketing Manager – Western Cape.                                                     

January 1997 –December 1999

Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes Attorneys                                                 Attorney – General litigation (contractual and lease disputes, personal injury claims and family law disputes).                                                                                                                                                                        

References

Dr David Bass

Head of Medico-Legal Unit

WC Department of Health (retired)

Cell: 082 550 2612

Suzette van der Merwe – Attorney & Director

Mac Robert Attorneys - Cape Town

Cell: 083 561 7501

Deborah Atkins – Industrial Psychologist

Deborah Atkins & Associates

Cell: 082 453 9105

Wahida Parker – Managing Director

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Former CEO of Equillore

Cell:  082 872 4803

Further references are available upon request.

Refer to website for more insights into my business.

Date: September 2021