Remote Senior Legal Counsel - Compliance & Risk

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Generous retirement plan

Professional development allowances

Remote-friendly culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel focused on Compliance and Risk Management, primarily remote. The role requires leading compliance programs across jurisdictions, advising on data privacy and sanctions, and guiding risk mitigation with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has extensive regulatory law experience, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to translate complex requirements into practical business solutions while working autonomously in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• LLB degree required.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court.
• 9+ years in corporate compliance, risk management, or regulatory law.
• Strong knowledge of international compliance standards.
• Proven track record in developing and managing compliance frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; autonomous remote work capability.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain corporate compliance programs and policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
• Monitor changes in laws and update policies accordingly.
• Oversee responses to regulatory inquiries and investigations.
• Advise on data privacy, anti-bribery, sanctions and other compliance areas.
• Develop and deliver compliance training to employees.
• Manage internal investigations and resolve breaches.
• Collaborate with internal audit for integrated risk management.
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Remote collaboration

Legal research

Education

LLB

Attorney admission (High Court)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Legal Counsel to focus on Compliance and Risk Management, operating in a fully remote capacity. This critical role involves developing, implementing, and overseeing the company's compliance programs and risk mitigation strategies across all jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and risk assessment, with a proven ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical business solutions. As a remote-first position, this role demands exceptional self-discipline, proactive communication, and the ability to thrive independently while collaborating effectively with distributed teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust corporate compliance programs and policies.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement strategies to mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
• Monitor changes in relevant laws and regulations and advise on necessary updates to policies and procedures.
• Oversee the company's response to regulatory inquiries and investigations.
• Provide expert legal advice on data privacy, anti-bribery, sanctions, and other key compliance areas.
• Develop and deliver compliance training programs to employees across the organization.
• Manage internal investigations and ensure timely resolution of compliance breaches.
• Collaborate with internal audit and other departments to ensure integrated risk management.
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct throughout the organization.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant experience in corporate compliance, risk management, or regulatory law, ideally within a global organization.
• Deep understanding of international compliance standards and best practices.
• Proven experience in developing and managing compliance frameworks.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in using remote collaboration tools and legal research platforms.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering significant flexibility. Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, benchmarked against senior in-house counsel roles, with an annual compensation up to ZAR, plus potential performance bonuses. Benefits include comprehensive private medical insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and significant professional development allowances. The opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa while contributing to a leading global company makes this role exceptionally attractive. You will join a forward-thinking legal team committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance.