In-House Counsel - Contract Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 689,000 - 1,102,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel specializing in contracts for a fully remote role with a leading technology firm. You will draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements and advise internal teams to ensure terms align with company objectives and risk appetite.

The ideal candidate holds a JD with bar admission and 7+ years of experience in transactional contracts, preferably in-house at a tech company, with strong negotiation and risk-management skills.

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent required with admission to the bar.
• Minimum 7 years of experience focused on commercial contracts and transactional law, preferably in-house at a tech company.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills for a variety of commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of corporate law, intellectual property, and data privacy regulations.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a high volume of complex commercial contracts and agreements.
• Advise stakeholders on contractual terms, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure contracts comply with applicable laws and company policies.
• Manage contract lifecycles including renewal, amendment, and termination.
• Collaborate with Sales, Procurement, and Product teams on contractual issues.
• Identify and resolve contractual disputes proactively.
• Develop and maintain standardized contract templates and playbooks.
• Provide legal support for corporate transactions as needed.
• Stay current with legal developments affecting contract law and the tech industry.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Negotiation

Transactional law

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent

Tools

Contract management software

Legal research tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology firm with a global footprint, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced In-House Counsel specializing in Contracts to join their fully remote legal department. This is a contract position designed for an expert who can provide immediate impact and strategic guidance on complex contractual matters. Working entirely remotely, you will be instrumental in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements, including software licenses, service level agreements, partnership agreements, and vendor contracts. You will collaborate closely with business teams across the organization, ensuring that all contractual obligations align with the company's strategic objectives and risk appetite. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented legal professional with exceptional negotiation skills and a deep understanding of commercial contract law. As a remote-first organization, our client provides a robust digital infrastructure to support seamless global collaboration and operations, making this an ideal opportunity for experienced legal professionals seeking flexibility and challenging work.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a high volume of complex commercial contracts and agreements.
• Advise business stakeholders on contractual terms, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure all contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Manage contract lifecycles, including renewal, amendment, and termination processes.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as Sales, Procurement, and Product Development on contractual matters.
• Identify and resolve contractual disputes and issues proactively.
• Develop and maintain standardized contract templates and playbooks.
• Provide legal support for various corporate transactions as needed.
• Stay current with legal developments affecting contract law and the technology industry.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes and tools.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
• Admission to the bar in a relevant jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience focused on commercial contracts and transactional law, preferably with in-house experience at a technology company.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating various types of commercial agreements.
• Strong understanding of corporate law, intellectual property, and data privacy regulations.
• Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a clear and concise style.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload in a remote setting.
• Proficiency with contract management software and legal research tools.
• A dedicated and professional home office setup is essential for this remote role.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams remotely.

Benefits

As a contractor, you will receive a competitive hourly rate or project-based compensation, commensurate with your expertise and experience. This fully remote role offers unparalleled flexibility and the ability to work from any location. Our client provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects with a dynamic global team. You will gain exposure to a wide range of challenging legal issues within the fast-paced technology sector. This role is ideal for experienced legal professionals seeking autonomy and impactful work without the constraints of a traditional office environment. Contribute your expertise to a leading firm and shape significant contractual agreements from your home office.