Senior Legal Counsel - Dispute Resolution

Placements24; O Mente; On-site; EUR 64,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel specialized in Dispute Resolution to join a leading financial services institution in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will oversee complex litigation, arbitration, and ADR, providing strategic advice and shaping case strategies in a demanding regulatory environment.

You will mentor junior staff, liaise with external counsel, and manage costs while delivering favourable outcomes for the business.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in dispute resolution/litigation.
• Proven track record in managing complex commercial litigation, debt recovery, and regulatory disputes.
• In-depth knowledge of South African civil procedure, evidence, and relevant statutes.
• Strong negotiation, advocacy, and courtroom skills.
• Excellent analytical, research, and drafting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct complex litigation and arbitration proceedings from initiation to conclusion.
• Develop and implement effective legal strategies for dispute resolution.
• Provide expert legal advice on potential disputes and risk mitigation strategies.
• Draft and file all necessary court documents, pleadings, and applications.
• Represent the company in mediations, arbitrations, and court hearings.
• Liaise with external counsel, experts, and regulatory bodies as required.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis of relevant case law and legislation.
• Advise business units on contractual disputes and compliance issues.
• Manage legal costs and ensure efficient resolution of disputes.
• Mentor and guide junior legal staff involved in dispute resolution.

Skills

Litigation strategy

Negotiation

Advocacy

Legal research

Contract law

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services institution operating in the Eastern Cape, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Legal Counsel with a specialization in Dispute Resolution to join their dedicated legal team in Queenstown. This crucial role involves managing and overseeing a diverse range of contentious matters, including litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution processes. The successful candidate will provide strategic legal advice, develop case strategies, and ensure the firm's interests are robustly protected. This position demands extensive knowledge of South African civil procedure, contract law, and relevant regulatory frameworks within the financial sector. It is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned dispute resolution lawyer to take on greater responsibility and contribute significantly to the legal and reputational integrity of the organisation. We are looking for an individual with exceptional analytical and advocacy skills, committed to achieving favourable outcomes for our client in Queenstown.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct complex litigation and arbitration proceedings from initiation to conclusion.
• Develop and implement effective legal strategies for dispute resolution.
• Provide expert legal advice on potential disputes and risk mitigation strategies.
• Draft and file all necessary court documents, pleadings, and applications.
• Represent the company in mediations, arbitrations, and court hearings.
• Liaise with external counsel, experts, and regulatory bodies as required.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis of relevant case law and legislation.
• Advise business units on contractual disputes and compliance issues.
• Manage legal costs and ensure efficient resolution of disputes.
• Mentor and guide junior legal staff involved in dispute resolution.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in dispute resolution/litigation.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex commercial litigation, debt recovery, and regulatory disputes.
• In-depth knowledge of South African civil procedure, evidence, and relevant statutes.
• Strong negotiation, advocacy, and courtroom skills.
• Excellent analytical, research, and drafting abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple high-stakes matters concurrently.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software.
• Experience within the financial services sector is highly advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Queenstown, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• A highly competitive annual salary, commensurate with extensive experience.
• Performance-based bonus structure and potential for profit sharing.
• Comprehensive medical aid, including family cover, and a robust retirement fund.
• Substantial support for professional development, including attending industry seminars and legal forums.
• Exposure to significant and challenging legal cases.
• A structured and professional working environment in Queenstown.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the organisation.
• Contribution to shaping legal strategies for a major financial institution.