Banking & Finance Attorney

MBA Inc; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in South Africa is seeking a Banking and Finance Attorney with strong leadership and technical expertise. The role involves advising on financing transactions, drafting complex legal documentation, and conducting due diligence. Candidates must possess an LLB and significant experience in commercial lending and finance. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential. This position offers a dynamic work environment and opportunities to mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• 10+ years post-admission experience in commercial lending and financing.
• Experience advising banks, DFIs, private equity sponsors or project financiers.
• Strong ability to structure deals while managing legal risks.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate and finalize financing agreements and security documentation.
• Conduct legal due diligence for financing and acquisitions.
• Manage client relationships and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Strong drafting and negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

Project management

Client-service orientation

Excellent written and verbal communication

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

What we are looking for

We are looking for a technically excellent, commercially minded Banking and Finance Attorney who will bring strong leadership, strategic insight and proven expertise to help drive the continued success of MBA Inc.

The successful candidate will advise local and international lenders, borrowers, sponsors and funders on a broad range of financing transactions, manage deal execution from diligence to documentation and closing, draft and negotiate security and ancillary documentation, and provide regulatory and compliance input relevant to banking and credit transactions.

Key responsibilities

Draft, negotiate and finalise financing agreements (including LMA-style bilateral and syndicated facilities), facility letters, security documentation, intercreditor agreements and ancillary documents.

Advise on and prepare security structures (movable / immovable, cessions of rights, guarantees, pledges and registration processes).

Conduct and co-ordinate legal due diligence for financing, acquisitions and project finance deals; identify legal, regulatory and title risks and propose mitigation strategies.

Draft and provide enforceability / legal opinions and liaise with external counsel in other jurisdictions.

Keep clients and senior partners appraised of market, regulatory and precedent developments affecting banking transactions.

Manage client relationships, attend negotiations and supervise / mentor junior fee earners.

Minimum requirements

LLB (or equivalent) and admission as an Attorney in the High Court of South Africa.

10+ years post-admission experience in commercial lending, syndicated loans, security documentation and project / asset finance.

Strong drafting and negotiation skills with demonstrable experience preparing LMA-style documentation.

Commercial awareness and ability to structure deals that achieve client objectives while managing legal risk.

Experience advising banks, DFIs, private equity sponsors or project financiers.

Experience in dealing with financial sector laws and regulations, regulatory filings and fintech matters.

Experience in dealing with local and international debt and equity capital markets finance instruments, including solid understanding of the relevant JSE listing requirements.

Technical & behavioural competencies

Mastery of commercial drafting and ability to convert complex terms into clear legal provisions.

Excellent written and verbal communication.

Strong project management, time management and client-service orientation.

Leadership aptitude and willingness to mentor junior staff.

Desirable (but not essential)

Postgraduate qualification (e.g., LLM).

Business development and client pitch experience.

Application Process

If you meet the requirements and are unable to apply via Placement Partner, kindly submit the following to