Associate Attorney - Dispute Resolution

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Dispute Resolution practice in East London. You will manage litigation, arbitration, and mediation matters from inception to resolution, drafting pleadings and representing clients in court and ADR forums.

The ideal candidate has 3–6 years PQE in dispute resolution, strong research and advocacy skills, and the ability to manage multiple cases under pressure in a dynamic East London setting.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with 3–6 years post-qualification experience in dispute resolution or litigation.
• Strong understanding of South African civil procedure and evidence law.
• Proven experience in drafting legal pleadings and conducting legal research.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of dispute resolution matters including civil litigation, commercial disputes, and administrative law.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to develop case strategies.
• Draft legal documents such as summonses, notices, affidavits, and settlement agreements.
• Represent clients in court appearances, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Negotiate settlements and explore alternative dispute resolution options.
• Liaise effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court officials.

Skills

Litigation

Arbitration

Mediation

Legal research

Draft pleadings

Client management

Advocacy

Negotiation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a motivated and skilled Associate Attorney to join their growing Dispute Resolution practice in East London. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in litigation, arbitration, and mediation, working on a diverse range of complex legal matters. You will be responsible for managing cases from inception to resolution, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and representing clients in court and alternative dispute resolution forums. The ideal candidate is passionate about advocacy, possesses strong analytical and negotiation skills, and is committed to achieving optimal outcomes for clients in the East London area and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of dispute resolution matters, including civil litigation, commercial disputes, and administrative law.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to develop case strategies.
• Draft legal documents such as summonses, notices, affidavits, and settlement agreements.
• Represent clients in court appearances, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Negotiate settlements and explore alternative dispute resolution options.
• Liaise effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court officials.

Requirements

• Admitted attorney with 3-6 years of post-qualification experience in dispute resolution or litigation.
• Strong understanding of South African civil procedure and evidence law.
• Proven experience in drafting legal pleadings and conducting legal research.
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and client management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous legal education.
• A dynamic and collaborative legal team environment in East London.