Commercial Legal Counsel

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Leave entitlement

Job summary

A Commercial Legal Counsel is sought to join the legal department in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on commercial law, advising on contracts, negotiation, and risk mitigation.

Hybrid work with office and remote flexibility. You will draft, review and negotiate service, partnership, and supply agreements, provide strategic counsel to business teams, ensure compliance with SA law, and support due diligence for transactions.

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a recognized university.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of SA.
• Minimum 6 years post-qualification experience in commercial law, ideally in-house.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide array of commercial contracts (service, partnership, supply).
• Provide strategic legal counsel on commercial matters, compliance and risk assessments.
• Ensure all contracts align with company policies and SA law.
• Manage contract lifecycle from initiation to termination.
• Conduct legal research to support business decisions and advise on implications.
• Assist in due diligence for mergers, acquisitions and strategic transactions.
• Collaborate with sales, procurement and operations teams.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures.
• Handle disputes or potential litigation arising from commercial agreements.

Skills

Commercial law

Contract negotiation

Advisory excellence

Due diligence

Education

LLB

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the business sector, is actively searching for a skilled Commercial Legal Counsel to join their esteemed legal department based in the heart of Sandton, Gauteng . This role is designed for a legal professional with a strong background in commercial law, adept at navigating intricate business transactions and providing strategic legal guidance. You will be instrumental in supporting the company's commercial operations, advising on contract drafting and negotiation, and mitigating legal risks. This hybrid position offers a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, fostering a dynamic work-life balance. The successful candidate will work closely with various business units, contributing to critical decision-making processes and ensuring legal compliance. Join a forward-thinking organization where your expertise in commercial law will be highly valued, contributing to the continued success and growth of our client. This role is central to the legal backbone of our client's extensive commercial activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of commercial contracts, including service agreements, partnership agreements, and supply chain contracts.
• Provide expert legal advice and strategic counsel to business teams on commercial matters, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment.
• Ensure all contractual arrangements align with company policies and relevant South African legislation.
• Manage the contract lifecycle, from initiation and negotiation through to execution and termination.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support business decisions and advise on legal implications.
• Assist in due diligence processes for potential mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including sales, procurement, and operations teams.
• Support the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures.
• Handle and resolve legal disputes or potential litigation arising from commercial agreements.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience in commercial law, ideally with in-house experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of South African contract law, corporate law, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to provide practical, commercially sound legal advice.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in legal research and document management systems.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package, reflecting expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued legal education.
• A hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• A stimulating and collaborative legal team environment.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging commercial legal work.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.