In-House Counsel: Contracts & Litigation Lead

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Remote work

Career growth

Legal tech tools

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Remote Legal Counsel focused on Compliance and Risk Management. You will lead compliance programs, assess risks, and advise senior management from a fully remote setup.

The role requires 8+ years in compliance/risk, SA admission to practice, and strong regulatory knowledge (POPIA, GDPR, FICA). You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and external counsel to safeguard the organization.

Qualifications

• JD or LLB from an accredited institution.
• Admission to practice law in SA (Attorney/Advocate).
• 8+ years of experience in legal compliance and risk management.
• Knowledge of POPIA, GDPR, FICA (where applicable).
• Experience designing and implementing effective compliance programs.
• Experience in investigations and regulatory interactions.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain comprehensive compliance programs and policies across regulatory domains.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate identified risks.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations and advise on policy adjustments.
• Manage internal investigations related to compliance breaches or misconduct.
• Provide expert legal advice on compliance matters to business units and senior management.
• Develop and deliver compliance training programs for employees.
• Oversee responses to regulatory inquiries and audits.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external counsel to ensure robust frameworks.
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution from a compliance and risk perspective.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Remote work

Stakeholder influence

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB

Job description

Remote Legal Counsel - Compliance & Risk Management

About the Role Our client is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Remote Legal Counsel with a specialization in Compliance and Risk Management to join their distributed legal team. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility for top legal talent. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing compliance programs and risk management strategies across the organization. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, thereby safeguarding the company's reputation and assets. This role demands a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and a keen ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical business solutions. As a remote employee, you will leverage technology to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different locations, contributing to a robust and compliant business environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact from the convenience of your home office. Our client values autonomy and results, making this a perfect fit for self-motivated legal professionals.

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive compliance programs and policies across various regulatory domains.


• Conduct regular risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate identified legal and operational risks.


• Monitor changes in laws and regulations, advising the business on necessary adjustments to policies and procedures.


• Manage internal investigations related to compliance breaches or misconduct.


• Provide expert legal advice on compliance-related matters to business units and senior management.


• Develop and deliver compliance training programs to employees.


• Oversee the company's response to regulatory inquiries and audits.


• Collaborate with internal teams and external counsel to ensure robust legal and compliance frameworks.


• Manage litigation and dispute resolution from a compliance and risk perspective.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB degree from an accredited institution.


• Admission to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction (e.g., admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa).


• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in legal compliance and risk management, preferably within a corporate setting.


• In-depth knowledge of relevant South African and international regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR, FICA where applicable).


• Proven ability to design and implement effective compliance programs.


• Experience in conducting internal investigations and managing regulatory interactions.


• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.


• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.


• Generous retirement savings plan.


• Full remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere.


• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development in compliance.


• Access to cutting-edge legal technology and resources.


• Generous annual leave and flexible working hours.