Commercial Attorney

Dananda Talent; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a strategic and commercially minded Commercial Attorney to join their Legal & Compliance team. The role involves providing expert legal support across business operations, drafting contracts, advising on corporate structures, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have an LL.B., 5-8 years of experience, and a strong understanding of commercial law and risk management.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years’ post-qualification experience in a commercial law environment.
• Proven track record in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of corporate law, M&A, and joint-venture transactions.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Advise on company incorporations, governance, and legal due diligence.
• Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.

Skills

Commercial law

Technology

Contracts

Education

LL.B. (or equivalent)

Job description

We are seeking a strategic and commercially minded Commercial Attorney to join our Legal & Compliance team. In this role, you will provide expert legal support across a wide range of business operations, transactions, and risk-management initiatives. You will draft and negotiate contracts, advise on corporate structures, guide cross-border deals, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements—enabling the business to grow confidently and compliantly.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: LL.B. (or equivalent); admission to the [relevant jurisdiction] bar is required.
• Experience: 5–8 years’ post-qualification experience in a commercial law environment (in-house or reputable law firm).
• Technical Skills:
  • Proven track record in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
  • Strong understanding of corporate law, M&A, and joint-venture transactions.
  • Hands-on experience with data-privacy frameworks and technology licensing.

Soft Skills

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder-management abilities.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical judgment.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Law & Drafting: Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements such as supply, distribution, procurement agreements, SLAs, NDAs, licensing, franchising, and agency contracts. Manage contract lifecycle and maintain a centralized repository.
• Corporate & Business Law: Advise on company incorporations, governance, shareholder matters, and lead legal due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and capital raises. Draft shareholder agreements and partnership contracts.
• Negotiation & Deal-Making: Support commercial teams in procurement, sales, and strategic partnership negotiations, aligning commercial objectives with legal risk mitigation.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks; ensure compliance with relevant laws including consumer protection, competition, anti-bribery statutes (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act), and ESG standards.
• Data Privacy & Technology Law: Advise on data protection regulations (GDPR, CCPA), draft data-processing agreements, and handle legal aspects of SaaS/cloud deployments, IT outsourcing, and software licenses.
• International Trade & Cross-Border Transactions: Counsel on Incoterms, export controls, trade sanctions, cross-border contract enforcement, dispute resolution, and jurisdictional issues.
• Industry-Specific Expertise: Develop expertise in sectors such as technology & IP licensing, retail franchising, financial services, healthcare, and construction, understanding sector-specific regulations and best practices.
• Legal Research & Advisory: Conduct legal research, stay updated on legislative changes, and draft legal opinions, memos, and board briefings to support strategic decisions.

Desired Skills

• Commercial law
• Technology
• Contracts