Associate Attorney (Litigation / Commercial)

Johan Coetzee Incorporated; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Cox Yeats is seeking two Associate Attorneys for its Durban office, one focusing on Litigation and the other on Commercial work. Candidates should have an LLB, be admitted attorneys in SA, and possess 2–5 years post-admission experience. Relocation to Durban is encouraged for non-residents, with a track record of independent matter management.

The firm values integrity, commercial awareness, and excellence, offering a dynamic team environment and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• LLB degree required and admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum 2–5 years post-admission experience in litigation or commercial law.
• Willingness to relocate to Durban if not currently based in the area.
• Excellent drafting, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Litigation Associate: Manage a diverse docket from inception to finalisation, draft pleadings, affidavits and notices, conduct legal research, and represent clients in court and mediations.
• Commercial Associate: Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, provide strategic advice, assist with transaction structuring, manage matters end-to-end and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Drafting

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Communication

Under pressure

Willingness to relocate

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney (High Court SA)

Job description

Questions that should be asked before appointing an attorney.

• Associate Attorney (Litigation / Commercial)

Associate Attorney (Litigation / Commercial)

Our Durban office is seeking to appoint two Associate Attorneys to join our growing team:

• Associate – Litigation
• Associate – Commercial

We are looking for highly competent legal professionals with a demonstrable track record of delivering exceptional legal services. While candidates should have experience in either litigation or commercial law, we are not prescriptive about any narrower area of specialisation. Our focus is on identifying talented attorneys with strong technical ability, commercial awareness, and a commitment to excellence.

Candidates who are not currently based in Durban should be willing to relocate.

Full Job Description

About Cox Yeats

Cox Yeats is a dynamic law firm with a national footprint and offices in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. We have earned a reputation as a leader in commercial and personal legal services, offering the highest quality legal advice and representation to our clients for over 60 years.

Position Overview

Our Durban office is seeking to appoint two Associate Attorneys to join our growing team:

• Associate – Litigation
• Associate – Commercial

We are looking for highly competent legal professionals with a demonstrable track record of delivering exceptional legal services. While candidates should have experience in either litigation or commercial law, we are not prescriptive about any narrower area of specialisation. Our focus is on identifying talented attorneys with strong technical ability, commercial awareness, and a commitment to excellence.

Candidates who are not currently based in Durban should be willing to relocate.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Associate

• Manage a diverse litigation portfolio from inception through to finalisation.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, notices, opinions and other litigation-related documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, mediations and other dispute resolution forums where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships while delivering practical, commercially sound legal advice.

Commercial Associate

• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements.
• Provide strategic legal advice on commercial transactions and corporate matters.
• Conduct legal research and assist with transaction structuring.
• Manage matters from instruction through to completion while coordinating with clients and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through the delivery of high-quality legal services.

Requirements and Skills

• LLB degree (an additional law degree will be advantageous).
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 2–5 years' post-admission experience in either litigation or commercial law.
• Demonstrable experience managing matters independently.
• Excellent drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while managing multiple priorities.
• A proven track record of delivering high-quality legal work.
• Willingness to relocate to Durban if not currently based in the area.

Culture Fit

At Cox Yeats, our core purpose is to make a positive difference through dynamic and innovative legal services. We are guided by values of integrity, caring, individuality, innovation, adaptability, approachability and dynamism. We believe in a personalised approach, offering diverse expertise, flexibility and independence. Our firm fosters a culture of building strong relationships and delivering customised solutions with a business-oriented mindset.

Why Join Cox Yeats?

• Opportunity to work on complex and high-quality legal matters.
• Supportive and collaborative environment that encourages professional growth.
• Exposure to a diverse client base across a range of industries.
• Competitive remuneration and opportunities for career progression.
• A firm committed to excellence, innovation and client service.

Cox Yeats Attorneys is an equal opportunity employer. Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in accordance with the firm's Employment Equity Plan and Affitcative Action targets. However, all suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.