Executive Attorney – High-Conflict Divorce & Family Law

Martin Vermaak Attorneys Inc.; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in South Africa seeks an Executive Attorney specializing in High-Conflict Divorce and Family Law. The successful candidate will manage their own litigation portfolio, lead strategic client interactions, and mentor junior attorneys in a fast-paced, supportive environment. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in family law, with strong skills in advocacy and drafting. This role offers competitive, performance-linked remuneration and opportunities for professional development and leadership within the firm.

Benefits

Strong marketing and intake support

Ongoing professional development

Competitive remuneration

Qualifications

• 8+ years' post-admission litigation experience, primarily in divorce and family law.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a busy, contested litigation caseload independently.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a full caseload of divorce, care and contact matters.
• Draft and settle pleadings and motions.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Strong drafting skills

Advocacy skills

Client communication

Emotional intelligence

Commercial awareness

Education

LLB and admission as an attorney of the High Court

Job description

Executive Attorney – High-Conflict Divorce & Family Law

Firm : Martin Vermaak Attorneys Inc.

– National Divorce & Family Law Specialists

Salary : Highly competitive, linked to performance

Do you thrive on complex, high-stakes litigation?

Do you want to lead serious family law matters instead of being micromanaged?

Are you excited by a fast-growing, specialist firm with national reach?

If yes, keep reading.

If not, this role won't be the right fit.

Martin Vermaak Attorneys is a specialist South African divorce and family law firm with offices in Sandton, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.

We act in high-conflict, high-net-worth matters and are investing heavily in growth, systems and technology.

We are recruiting an Executive Attorney for our Sandton Head Office who can own and drive a litigation portfolio, lead client strategy, and help develop our next generation of attorneys.

LLB and admission as an attorney of the High Court

8+ years' post-admission litigation experience, predominantly in divorce and family law

Proven track record running complex matters, including :

• Rule 43 applications
• Forfeiture claims and accrual disputes
• Contact, care and relocation disputes
• Domestic violence matters
• High Court and Regional Court divorce litigation
• Maintenance Court and Children's Court matters

Strong drafting, advocacy and client communication skills

Demonstrated ability to manage a busy, contested litigation caseload independently

Working knowledge of billing, file profitability and WIP control

Who You Are

You are a confident, battle-tested litigator who :

• Stays calm and strategic in high-conflict situations
• Balances assertive representation with emotional intelligence and client care
• Is commercially aware and understands that profitability and client experience matter
• Enjoys mentoring CAs and junior legal staff and raising the standard of work around you
• Wants to plug into a growth firm where performance is recognised and rewarded

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage a full caseload of divorce, care and contact, domestic violence and maintenance matters
• Conduct client consultations and provide strategic legal advice aligned with firm strategy
• Draft and settle pleadings, motions, affidavits and heads of argument with minimal oversight
• Appear in the High Court, Regional Divorce Court and lower courts as required
• Supervise and mentor candidate attorneys and junior staff within the Sandton team
• Uphold and contribute to firmwide quality, compliance and client-service standards

You will be measured primarily on :

• Fees billed and collected from your portfolio
• Matter outcomes and client satisfaction
• Consistency and quality of drafting and advocacy
• Development of junior team members

What We Offer

Strong marketing and intake support – a consistent flow of quality family law matters so you can focus on lawyering, not chasing work

A high-performing operations, finance and admin team behind you

Competitive, performance-linked remuneration

Opportunity to play a key role in a growing national firm, with real scope for internal leadership

Ongoing professional development, feedback and support from senior leadership

Modern systems and processes, with a focus on technology and efficiency

To Apply

Please email the following to and

CV

Short motivation letter (max one page) explaining your most complex family law matter to date and your role in the outcome

Subject line : Executive Attorney – Sandton / (Your Name)

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa