In-House Counsel - Commercial

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first role

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Professional development

Advanced technology

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an experienced In-House Counsel (Commercial Law) for a remote-first role based in South Africa. The ideal candidate will advise on commercial agreements, regulatory matters, and strategic transactions while supporting growth and mitigating risk.

The role requires 6–8 years in commercial law, LLB and SA admission, with strong drafting, negotiation, IP and data privacy knowledge. Flexible, autonomous work style and strong business acumen are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent qualification.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of relevant experience in commercial law.
• Proven expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing complex commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of corporate law, intellectual property, and data privacy regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including customer agreements, supplier contracts, partnership agreements, and licensing arrangements.
• Provide timely and practical legal advice to internal business teams on commercial law matters.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with business activities and transactions, proposing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Advise on corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory issues relevant to the company's operations.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes and claims efficiently.
• Conduct legal research and stay updated on relevant legislation and industry best practices.
• Assist with mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions as required.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across various departments.
• Ensure all legal documentation is accurate, compliant, and effectively managed.
• Contribute to the development of legal policies and procedures to support business objectives.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Communication

Remote work

Business acumen

Education

LLB degree

Admission as Attorney/Advocate

Tools

Contract management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading and innovative company with a global reach, is seeking to hire a skilled In-House Counsel specializing in Commercial Law. This role will be based remotely, offering unparalleled flexibility for legal professionals. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert legal advice on a broad spectrum of commercial agreements, strategic transactions, and regulatory matters. We are looking for a proactive, business-minded lawyer who can effectively support the company's growth and operational objectives while mitigating legal risks. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a dynamic organisation from a remote setting, impacting key business decisions and strategies. This role is a remote-first position, ideal for an experienced commercial lawyer seeking autonomy and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including customer agreements, supplier contracts, partnership agreements, and licensing arrangements.
• Provide timely and practical legal advice to internal business teams on commercial law matters.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with business activities and transactions, proposing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Advise on corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory issues relevant to the company's operations.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes and claims efficiently.
• Conduct legal research and stay updated on relevant legislation and industry best practices.
• Assist with mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions as required.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across various departments.
• Ensure all legal documentation is accurate, compliant, and effectively managed.
• Contribute to the development of legal policies and procedures to support business objectives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent qualification.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of relevant experience in commercial law, ideally with a mix of law firm and in-house experience.
• Proven expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing complex commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of corporate law, intellectual property, and data privacy regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• Proficiency in legal research and contract management tools.
• Business acumen and the ability to provide commercially sound legal advice.
• High ethical standards and integrity.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive remuneration package and the flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement.
• Our client provides comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for continuous professional development.
• You will have access to advanced technology and resources to support your work.
• The company culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.
• This position is based out of Paarl, Western Cape , but operates entirely remotely, offering an exciting opportunity for a commercial legal expert to make a significant impact without geographic constraints.
• Join a progressive organisation that values expertise and offers a rewarding career path.