Legal Advisor

The Agricultural Research Council; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A national research organization in Hatfield is seeking a Legal Advisor to draft and review contracts, provide legal advice, and assist with litigation management. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and at least 3 years of post-admission experience. Proficiency in MS Office and strong analytical skills are required. This full-time position offers a competitive remuneration package.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years post admission experience as a practicing attorney or in legal advisory.
• Proficiency in Ms Office suite.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to think critically and show leadership.

Responsibilities

• Draft, analyze, and review contracts.
• Provide legal advice and support to internal stakeholders.
• Assist with litigation management and disputes.

Skills

Administrative Law

Intellectual Property

Court Proceedings

Advocacy

Legal Research

Contract Law

Criminal Cases

Legal procedures

Private Practice

Legal Documents

Trial Preparation

Labor Law

Legal Advice

Arbitration Law

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent

Tools

Ms Office suite

Job description

Description

Drafting / Reviewing / Vetting Agreements

• Draft vet analyse and review contracts.
• Review and update contract templates.
• Timeously attend to service requests and submissions.

Legal Advice to ARC user Departments

• Providing written legal advice and support to internal stakeholders as and when required.
• Provide urgent comments opinion and / or support on latest legal developments affecting or having an impact on the business of the ARC.

Assist with Litigation Management

• Provide support regarding litigation for and against ARC.
• Providing support in the management of disputes prelitigation and avoiding costly litigation proceedings.

Assist with Budget Audit Risk and Stakeholder Management

• Budget Management.
• Audit Management.
• Risk Management.
• Stakeholder Management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent Bachelors Degree in Law
• At least 3 years post admission experience as a practicing attorney or working in a legal advisory capacity with exposure to contract drafting litigation legal research and opinions.
• Proficiency in Ms Office suite.
• Problem‑solving analytical skills and knowledge of the industry within which the ARC operates.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to think critically be assertive and show leadership and decisiveness.
• Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.

Enquiries : Ms Tshililo Mabirimisa

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS : 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope responsibilities and the stature of the position. Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance competency / leadership assessments and preference will be given to designated groups (including people with disabilities) in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by covering letter detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates supporting documents copy of drivers license) and at least three contactable referees must be attached on the form.

SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint

Work Level

Mid-Level

Job Type

Permanent

Salary

Market Related

EE Position

No

Location

Central Office Hatfield

Required Experience :

Manager

Key Skills

• Administrative Law
• Intellectual Property
• Court Proceedings
• Advocacy
• Legal Research
• Contract Law
• Criminal Cases
• Legal procedures
• Law
• Private Practice
• Legal Documents
• Trial Preparation
• Labor Law
• Legal Advice
• Arbitration Law

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1