In-House Counsel - Commercial Litigation

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Fully remote work

Health & wellness benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an In-House Counsel specializing in Commercial Litigation. The role supports a remote-first legal department serving clients in Cape Town, while maintaining rigorous litigation strategies and risk mitigation.

You will manage diverse disputes, draft pleadings, and coordinate with external counsel to ensure cost-effective resolutions. Strong SA civil procedure knowledge and ADR experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with at least 5 years of relevant litigation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and argue complex commercial claims.
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure, evidence law, and ADR mechanisms.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of commercial litigation from initiation to resolution.
• Research, draft pleadings, motions, and discovery documents.
• Brief and manage external counsel for cost-effective strategy.
• Advise stakeholders on litigation risks and dispute avoidance.
• Negotiate settlements and represent the company in mediations/arbitrations.
• Stay updated on laws and procedural rules affecting commercial litigation.

Skills

Commercial litigation

Contract law

Legal research

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Admitted Attorney (High Court of South Africa)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and experienced In-House Counsel specializing in Commercial Litigation to join their fully remote legal department serving clients in Cape Town . This role is critical for managing and resolving a diverse portfolio of commercial disputes, protecting the company's interests, and mitigating legal risks. You will work closely with various business units, external counsel, and senior management to develop effective litigation strategies and ensure efficient resolution of legal matters. The position offers the flexibility and autonomy of a remote-first work model, allowing for focused concentration on high-stakes legal challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all aspects of commercial litigation matters from initiation to resolution.
• Conduct legal research, prepare pleadings, motions, and discovery documents.
• Brief and manage external legal counsel, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with company strategy.
• Advise business stakeholders on potential litigation risks and strategies for dispute avoidance.
• Negotiate settlements and represent the company in mediations and arbitrations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and procedural rules affecting commercial litigation.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 5 years of relevant litigation experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and arguing complex commercial claims.
• Strong understanding of civil procedure, evidence law, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities effectively, and communicate clearly in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and specialized training.