Associate Legal Counsel - Litigation

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Associate Legal Counsel to join a busy litigation department in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role involves managing a diverse civil litigation caseload, drafting pleadings, and assisting in court appearances within a supportive corporate environment.

The successful candidate will hold an LLB, be admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of SA, and bring about 3–5 years of post-qualification civil litigation experience, with strong analytical, research, and organizational

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a recognized tertiary institution.
• Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Approximately 3-5 years of post-qualification experience in civil litigation.
• Proven experience in drafting pleadings and managing discovery.
• Strong understanding of South African civil procedure and evidence law.
• Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters from commencement to conclusion.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, notices, and other court documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on litigation matters.
• Gather and analyze evidence, including witness statements and documentary proof.
• Manage discovery processes, including requests for admission and interrogatories.
• Liaise with external counsel on complex litigation cases.
• Represent the company in settlements, mediations, and lower court proceedings.
• Advise business units on litigation risks and strategies.
• Ensure compliance with court rules and timelines.
• Maintain accurate case files and manage litigation budgets.

Education

LLB degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national retail group, is looking for a dynamic Associate Legal Counsel to join their busy litigation department. This role, based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, will provide essential support in managing a diverse caseload of civil litigation matters. You will be involved in all stages of litigation, from initial case assessment and evidence gathering to drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, and assisting in court appearances. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal practitioner eager to build extensive litigation experience within a supportive corporate environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong analytical mind, meticulous attention to detail, and a robust understanding of civil procedure in South Africa. The role is office-based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, ensuring close collaboration with the legal team and business units.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct civil litigation matters from commencement to conclusion.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, notices, and other court documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on litigation matters.
• Gather and analyze evidence, including witness statements and documentary proof.
• Manage discovery processes, including requests for admission and interrogatories.
• Liaise with external counsel on complex litigation cases.
• Represent the company in settlements, mediations, and lower court proceedings.
• Advise business units on litigation risks and strategies.
• Ensure compliance with court rules and timelines.
• Maintain accurate case files and manage litigation budgets.

Requirements

• LLB degree from a recognized tertiary institution.
• Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Approximately 3-5 years of post-qualification experience in civil litigation.
• Proven experience in drafting pleadings and managing discovery.
• Strong understanding of South African civil procedure and evidence law.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficient in legal research databases and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Must be able to work full-time from our offices in Vereeniging, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to gain extensive litigation experience within a national company.
• Medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.