Legal Officer - Commercial Litigation

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a meticulous Legal Officer for its Kimberley office to manage a commercial litigation portfolio from initiation to resolution. You will coordinate with external counsel, draft pleadings and court documents, and advise internal teams on legal risks.

A solid foundation in South African civil procedure and dispute resolution is essential. The role requires 3+ years post-qualification in litigation, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a busy legal

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience in commercial litigation or civil litigation.
• Solid understanding of South African civil procedure, evidence law, and commercial law.
• Demonstrated experience in managing litigation from inception to conclusion.
• Excellent drafting, research, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and standard office software.
• Must be able to work full-time in our Kimberley, Northern Cape office.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee a caseload of commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract, debt recovery, and consumer disputes.
• Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings, affidavits, and other court documents.
• Liaise with external legal firms on litigation matters, providing instructions and oversight.
• Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and manage discovery processes.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders regarding case status, legal risks, and potential outcomes.
• Assist in the negotiation of settlements and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Ensure timely filing of all legal documents and adherence to court rules and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of all litigation activities and manage legal cost budgets.
• Advise business units on legal risks and strategies to mitigate potential disputes.

Skills

Drafting

Research

Analytical skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

LLB

Tools

Legal research databases

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established retail group with operations across South Africa, is seeking a meticulous and driven Legal Officer to manage their commercial litigation portfolio. This role is based in the heart of Kimberley, Northern Cape, and requires a legal professional who can handle a variety of disputes and legal proceedings efficiently. The position is office-based, fostering close collaboration with the company's legal and business departments. The Legal Officer will be responsible for managing litigation cases from initiation to resolution, including liaising with external counsel, preparing case files, and providing legal support to operational divisions. We are looking for an individual with a strong foundation in civil procedure and dispute resolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee a caseload of commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract, debt recovery, and consumer disputes.
• Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings, affidavits, and other court documents.
• Liaise with external legal firms on litigation matters, providing instructions and oversight.
• Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and manage discovery processes.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders regarding case status, legal risks, and potential outcomes.
• Assist in the negotiation of settlements and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Ensure timely filing of all legal documents and adherence to court rules and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of all litigation activities and manage legal cost budgets.
• Advise business units on legal risks and strategies to mitigate potential disputes.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience in commercial litigation or civil litigation.
• Solid understanding of South African civil procedure, evidence law, and commercial law.
• Demonstrated experience in managing litigation from inception to conclusion.
• Excellent drafting, research, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and standard office software.
• Must be able to work full-time in our Kimberley, Northern Cape office.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive annual salary, commensurate with experience, along with standard benefits including medical aid and a provident fund.
• Employees benefit from working in a stable corporate environment in Kimberley , with opportunities for professional growth within the legal department.
• The company supports ongoing legal training and development.
• This role provides a solid career path for legal professionals looking to specialize in commercial litigation within a supportive organizational structure.