In-House Commercial Lawyer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus

Equity options

Private medical aid

Pension fund

Employee discounts on company products

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Commercial Lawyer to join its legal team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will provide comprehensive legal support on contracts, IP, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution within the wine and spirits sector.

Admitted SA attorney with 6+ years of relevant experience is required. You will draft and negotiate agreements, manage IP portfolios, advise on governance and export regulations, and collaborate with external counsel to protect the

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in commercial, contract and corporate law.
• Experience with IP law and regulatory compliance desirable.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• In-house counsel experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts including supply, distribution, and service agreements.
• Provide legal advice on corporate governance and compliance matters.
• Manage IP portfolios including trademarks and patents.
• Advise on regulatory compliance in the alcohol industry and exports.
• Assist with mergers, acquisitions, and corporate transactions.
• Manage disputes, litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic business advice.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to support business operations.
• Liaise with external counsel as needed.
• Ensure all company activities comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Skills

Commercial law

Contract law

Corporate law

Intellectual property law

Regulatory compliance

Drafting

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA

Tools

Contract management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing company in the wine and spirits industry, is seeking a skilled In-House Commercial Lawyer to join their legal team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role will involve providing comprehensive legal support on a wide range of commercial matters, including contract drafting and negotiation, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial law background and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced business environment. This is an excellent opportunity to gain in-depth experience within a niche sector and contribute strategically to the company's success. We value proactive legal thinking and a pragmatic approach to business challenges. The position requires a sharp legal mind and a keen understanding of commercial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, including supply agreements, distribution agreements, and service contracts.
• Provide legal advice on corporate governance and compliance matters.
• Manage and protect the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks and patents.
• Advise on regulatory compliance related to the alcohol industry and export markets.
• Assist with mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions.
• Manage and resolve commercial disputes, including litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic advice on various business initiatives.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to support business operations.
• Liaise with external legal counsel as needed.
• Ensure all company activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in commercial law, contract law, and corporate law.
• Experience with intellectual property law and regulatory compliance is highly desirable.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of commercial operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working as in-house counsel is a plus.
• Proficiency in legal research and contract management systems.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by a performance bonus and equity options for senior roles.
• Benefits include comprehensive private medical aid, a generous pension fund, and significant employee discounts on company products.
• Professional development is strongly encouraged through continued legal education and opportunities to attend industry-specific forums.
• The work environment is stimulating, collaborative, and offers a great work-life balance in the heart of the Winelands, Stellenbosch, Western Cape.