Remote General Counsel

Placements24; Willows (CA); Remote; USD 121,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Bonus potential

Equity options

Medical benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced General Counsel to lead legal operations for a fully remote technology startup based in South Africa. You will shape the legal strategy, manage corporate governance, IP, and compliance across international activities.

This role requires JD, SA admission, 10+ years in-house at tech firms, strong negotiation and leadership, and a remote-first mindset. Compensation includes a competitive package, bonuses, and potential equity.

Qualifications

• JD or an equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission to practice law in South Africa with valid certificate.
• At least 10 years in-house legal experience, tech/startup preferred.
• Experience in corporate law, IP, regulatory compliance, fundraising, M&A.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Experience in remote-first environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company’s legal strategy, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee all legal aspects of corporate governance, including board meetings, filings, and compliance with securities laws (if applicable).
• Manage and negotiate complex commercial contracts, service agreements, partnership agreements, and licensing deals.
• Advise on intellectual property strategy, protection, and enforcement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international laws and regulations, including data privacy (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Manage external legal counsel and litigation matters effectively.
• Provide legal guidance on fundraising activities, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies.
• Stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments affecting the technology sector globally.
• Foster a culture of legal awareness and ethical conduct throughout the organization.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Corporate governance

Regulatory compliance

Intellectual property

Commercial contracts

Leadership

Negotiation

Data privacy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Admission to practice law in South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking technology startup experiencing rapid growth, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic General Counsel to lead their legal operations on a fully remote basis. This executive-level position is crucial for establishing and scaling the company's legal infrastructure, providing comprehensive legal oversight, and advising on all aspects of the business, from corporate governance and intellectual property to commercial agreements and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and possess a strong understanding of technology law, startup ecosystems, and international business practices. This is a unique opportunity to shape the legal strategy of an innovative company from the ground up, working entirely from your chosen location within South Africa. You will be instrumental in guiding our client's growth trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company’s legal strategy, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee all legal aspects of corporate governance, including board meetings, filings, and compliance with securities laws (if applicable).
• Manage and negotiate complex commercial contracts, service agreements, partnership agreements, and licensing deals.
• Advise on intellectual property strategy, protection, and enforcement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international laws and regulations, including data privacy (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Manage external legal counsel and litigation matters effectively.
• Provide legal guidance on fundraising activities, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies.
• Stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments affecting the technology sector globally.
• Foster a culture of legal awareness and ethical conduct throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission to practice law in South Africa and a valid practicing certificate.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, with a significant portion in-house at a technology company or startup.
• Extensive experience in corporate law, commercial contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience advising on fundraising rounds and M&A transactions.
• Strong understanding of data privacy laws and cybersecurity regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and manage legal departments and external counsel.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in a remote-first environment is highly advantageous.
• Self-starter with a strong work ethic and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote, permanent position offering significant autonomy and the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, and potential equity options.
• Comprehensive medical and other standard benefits will be provided.
• You will have access to cutting-edge legal technology and continuous professional development opportunities.
• This role is perfect for an experienced legal leader seeking a challenging and rewarding remote career opportunity, contributing directly to the success of an innovative tech firm.