Commercial Litigation Associate - Remote

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

CPD points

Virtual work environment

Work-life balance

Partnership potential

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate to join our esteemed legal practice in a fully remote position. You will handle complex commercial disputes from inception through resolution and collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver strong legal outcomes for clients.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of SA commercial litigation experience, excellent research skills, and a proven track record in advocacy.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with 3–5 years of SA commercial litigation experience.
• Strong drafting and legal research abilities.
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and client management skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload independently.
• Remote-friendly with a reliable internet connection and home office.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of commercial litigation matters and ensure timely execution of tasks.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents with precision.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis on complex issues.
• Manage discovery processes, including document review, interrogatories, and depositions.
• Represent clients in court, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Negotiate settlements and advise clients on litigation strategy.
• Maintain strong client relationships with regular updates and guidance.
• Collaborate with senior partners and other professionals on case strategy.
• Ensure compliance with court rules and ethical obligations.
• Stay abreast of developments in commercial litigation and substantive law.

Education

Admitted as Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Advocacy

Negotiation

Client management

Legal research

Time management

Legal databases (LexisNexis/Westlaw)

Communication

Team collaboration

Tools

LexisNexis

Westlaw

e-discovery platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is actively seeking a talented and driven Commercial Litigation Associate to join their esteemed legal practice. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility to legal professionals seeking to practice law without geographical constraints. You will be an integral part of a collaborative team, handling complex commercial disputes from inception through resolution. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, exceptional research capabilities, and a proven track record in litigation. This remote-first role requires a proactive and self-disciplined individual who can manage their workload effectively and communicate seamlessly with colleagues and clients. You will engage in all aspects of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and settlement negotiations. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career within a respected firm, contributing to high-stakes cases while enjoying the autonomy of a remote work setup. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and recognizes outstanding performance. The role is designed for an attorney who excels in a virtual setting and is passionate about delivering excellent legal outcomes for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of commercial litigation matters, ensuring timely and diligent execution of all legal tasks.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents with precision and clarity.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis on complex legal issues.
• Manage discovery processes, including document review, interrogatories, and depositions.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Negotiate settlements and advise clients on litigation strategy.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, providing them with regular updates and clear legal guidance.
• Collaborate with senior partners and other legal professionals on case strategy.
• Ensure compliance with all court rules, procedural requirements, and ethical obligations.
• Stay abreast of developments in commercial litigation and relevant substantive law.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 3-5 years of experience in commercial litigation.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting legal documents and conducting complex legal research.
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and client management skills.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse caseload independently.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, essential for a remote role.
• Proficiency in legal research databases (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw) and e-discovery platforms.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• A proactive, detail-oriented, and results-driven approach.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office environment for working remotely from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a virtual team structure.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including CPD points.
• A dynamic and supportive virtual work environment.
• Exposure to a wide range of challenging and significant legal cases.
• Investment in technology to support remote work efficiency.
• Work-life balance and the flexibility of a fully remote position.
• Potential for partnership track for exceptional candidates.