In-House Counsel

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Modern office facilities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for an in-house counsel role based in Durban. The successful candidate will lead day-to-day legal operations, provide strategic advice, and support multiple business units across operations, sales and procurement.

The role emphasizes risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and practical business-oriented guidance. We seek a qualified lawyer with at least 6 years post-qualification experience, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and proven ability to work

Qualifications

• LLB degree with admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• Minimum of 6 years post-qualification experience, preferably in-house or commercial practice.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and review of commercial contracts required.
• Familiarity with South African corporate and labour law and industry regulations.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal counsel on corporate and commercial matters, including contracts and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review and negotiate supply, distribution and service agreements.
• Advise on compliance with South African legislation and industry regulations.
• Manage and oversee disputes and litigation, coordinating with external counsel when needed.
• Conduct legal research and analyse new legislation and business impact.
• Support business units in understanding and managing legal risks.
• Assist in corporate governance matters and ensure proper documentation.
• Develop and implement legal policies to improve efficiency and compliance.

Skills

Commercial contract drafting

Regulatory compliance

Dispute resolution

Analytical thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

LLB

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing and distribution company headquartered in Durban, seeks a highly competent and proactive In-House Counsel to join their dedicated legal team. This role is office-based, offering a fantastic opportunity to be immersed in the day-to-day legal operations of a thriving business. You will be instrumental in providing strategic legal advice and support across all facets of the company, ensuring legal compliance and mitigating risk. The successful candidate will work closely with various departments, including operations, sales, and procurement, contributing to sound business decisions. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and professional environment where legal expertise directly influences business success. This is an exciting opportunity for a legal professional looking to make a tangible impact within a well-established organization in the vibrant KwaZulu-Natal region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal counsel on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, including contracts, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various agreements, such as supply agreements, distribution agreements, and service contracts.
• Advise on compliance with relevant South African legislation and industry-specific regulations.
• Manage and oversee legal disputes and litigation, liaising with external counsel when required.
• Conduct legal research and provide analysis on new legislation and its potential impact on the business.
• Support business units in understanding and managing legal risks.
• Assist in corporate governance matters and ensure proper documentation.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

Requirements

• LLB degree or equivalent, with admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably with a significant portion gained in-house or within a commercial law practice.
• Strong experience in commercial contract drafting, negotiation, and review.
• Familiarity with South African corporate law, labour law, and relevant industry regulations.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building strong relationships across the organization.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A stable and supportive work environment.
• Access to modern office facilities.