Commercial Attorney

Accountancyplacements; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Pretoria is seeking a Commercial Attorney to act as principal legal advisor to the CEO and executive team. The role requires expertise in drafting and overseeing complex commercial agreements, managing corporate governance, and advising on legal strategies in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have an LLB, admission as an Attorney, and 5+ years of experience in commercial or corporate law. This position offers a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 5 years post-qualification experience in commercial, corporate or technology law.
• Strong financial or accounting exposure is advantageous.
• Proven experience advising boards, executives and investors in high-growth environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as principal legal advisor to the CEO and executive team.
• Draft, negotiate and oversee complex commercial agreements.
• Manage corporate governance, board processes, and statutory compliance.
• Lead legal due diligence for investments and acquisitions.
• Advise on AI governance and data compliance.

Skills

Advising boards and executives

Strong judgment and strategic thinking

Financial risk analysis

Contract negotiation

Education

LLB or equivalent legal qualification

Admission as an Attorney

Job description

Commercial Attorney Pretoria (Hybrid)

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Commercial Attorney with strong accounting and financial expertise to join their team. The role requires sound commercial judgment, strategic thinking and a risk‑aware approach in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as principal legal advisor to the CEO, executive team and the Board.
• Build and scale the in‑house legal function; manage external counsel.
• Draft, negotiate and oversee complex commercial agreements (AI licensing, strategic partnerships, reseller/channel agreements, international contracts).
• Manage corporate governance, board processes, shareholder matters and statutory compliance.
• Lead legal due diligence for investors, partners and acquisitions.
• Oversee legal strategy for AI technology, IP and data compliance (POPIA, GDPR or equivalents).
• Advise on AI governance, ethical frameworks and emerging regulation.
• Partner with product and engineering teams to embed compliance in product development.
• Advise finance on revenue recognition, contract structuring, pricing and financial risk.
• Review financial statements, budgets and forecasts from a legal/risk perspective.
• Support audits, tax, structuring and regulatory reporting.
• Develop policies, contract playbooks and approval frameworks.
• Identify, assess and mitigate legal, regulatory and commercial risk.

Requirements

• LLB or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission as an Attorney.
• Strong financial or accounting exposure (advantageous).
• 5 years post‑qualification experience in commercial, corporate or technology law.
• Proven experience advising boards, executives and investors ideally in high‑growth environments.