Commercial Litigation Associate - Dispute Resolution

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Mentorship and feedback

Flexible remote environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate for a remote-first role. You will handle complex disputes from home, collaborating with partners and senior staff. Strong advocacy, research, and client communication are essential.

Admitted in South Africa with 4–6 years PQE and experience in contracts, shareholder matters, and insolvency litigation will be valued greatly. The firm supports a flexible remote setup across the country.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 4–6 years PQE in commercial litigation.
• Proven experience handling complex commercial disputes (contracts, shareholder, insolvency).
• Strong research and writing skills with persuasiveness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research on complex commercial litigation matters.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and responses.
• Manage discovery including document review and depositions.
• Represent clients in mediations, arbitrations, and court appearances (remote or local).
• Develop case strategies and provide legal advice to clients.
• Analyze evidence and prepare expert reports.
• Liaise with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Client management

Independent work

Remote collaboration

Education

Admitted Attorney (South Africa)

Tools

Electronic discovery platforms

Case management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious law firm renowned for its expertise in commercial litigation, is seeking a talented Commercial Litigation Associate to join their remote-first team. This position is ideal for a dedicated legal professional looking to engage in complex dispute resolution matters from the comfort of their home office. You will be involved in a wide array of commercial disputes, representing diverse clients across various industries. The role requires a meticulous approach to case preparation, legal research, and courtroom advocacy. As a fully remote position, strong communication and self-management skills are paramount. You will collaborate virtually with partners and senior associates, contributing significantly to case strategy and client advisory. This opportunity provides excellent exposure to high-stakes litigation and significant professional growth, all within a flexible and modern working structure. The firm is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive remote environment, ensuring all team members feel connected and valued, regardless of their physical location.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis on complex commercial litigation matters.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and responses.
• Manage all aspects of the discovery process, including document review and depositions.
• Represent clients in mediations, arbitrations, and court appearances (where applicable and feasible remotely or locally).
• Develop case strategies and provide legal advice to clients.
• Analyze evidence and prepare expert witness reports.
• Liaise effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
• Assist in the preparation of trial materials and participate in trial proceedings.
• Monitor case progress and ensure timely adherence to court deadlines and firm protocols.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with 4-6 years of post-qualification experience in commercial litigation.
• Proven experience in handling complex commercial disputes, including contract disputes, shareholder disputes, and insolvency litigation.
• Strong legal research and writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to craft persuasive arguments.
• Experience with electronic discovery platforms and case management software.
• Excellent client management and communication skills, adapted for remote interaction.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet demanding deadlines.
• Must be able to work remotely from **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**, or any other location in South Africa.
• Admission to practice in South Africa is essential.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail.

Benefits

• Fully remote working arrangement, offering exceptional work-life integration.
• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and performance.
• Access to a diverse and challenging caseload, enhancing professional development.
• Supportive virtual team environment with regular feedback and mentorship.
• Opportunities for continuous professional training and advancement within the firm.
• Contribution to a firm that values innovation and flexibility in legal practice.
• Significant exposure to high-profile commercial disputes nationwide.