Commercial Legal Counsel (RWO)

C40 Cities; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Johannesburg is looking for a Commercial Legal Counsel. This role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, providing legal advice on data protection, and supporting cross-regional legal projects. The ideal candidate should have 2 to 4 years of PQE and experience in commercial law, with a strong focus on technology contracts. The position offers a hybrid working environment and a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• 2 to 4 years' PQE in commercial law, either in-house or at a law firm.
• Experience drafting and reviewing commercial contracts.
• Familiarity with technology contracts is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Advise on data protection queries and policies.
• Support legal projects across multiple regions.
• Engage in corporate governance and related legal matters.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Data protection

Corporate governance

Technology contracts

Commercial law

Education

Qualified attorney

Job description

About

• Robert Walters is hiring a Commercial Legal Counsel to join their Johannesburg team. This role involves drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, advising on data protection, and supporting legal projects across regions including the UK, Ireland, Middle East, Africa and North America. Ideal for an attorney with 2-4 years' PQE seeking exposure to diverse and dynamic legal work.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts; act as the primary legal contact for the business on contract negotiations and amendments.
• Provide advice on data protection and respond to data protection queries.
• Support cross-regional legal projects across the UK, Ireland, Middle East, Africa and North America.
• Engage in related project work such as setting up new entities in different territories, corporate governance duties, handling pre-action and potential litigation, employment matters, reviewing technology contracts, and delivering training on relevant legal developments.
• Develop areas of legal expertise where possible and align with business needs.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Qualified attorney with 2 to 4 years' PQE, gained in-house or at a recognised law firm or relevant corporate environment in commercial and/or corporate law. Minimum 2 years of experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating general commercial contracts.
• Experience in tech, TMT, digital, new technologies, data or related practice, or significant experience drafting and negotiating technology contracts (e.g., SaaS, software licensing, support, consulting services).
• Ability to interact effectively with legal and non-legal colleagues; able to deliver robust, commercial advice to consultants with varying levels of legal understanding.

* Reference to PQE is a guide and does not preclude applications from candidates with more experience.

About the job

Contract Type: Perm

Focus: Commercial Law

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Associate

Location: Johannesburg

Salary: Negotiable

Industry: Legal

Job Reference: TZCZQ7-5BDC7180

Date posted: 22 September 2025

Consultant: Angela Reilly