In-House Counsel - Remote Position

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-friendly policy

Home-office setup allowance

Tech stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel to join its legal team. This remote-first role supports product development, IP protection, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance across South Africa.

You will provide strategic advice on technology law, data privacy, and complex agreements, while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external counsel as needed. A proactive, independent professional is essential.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 6+ years post-qualification experience in corporate and technology law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating software licensing, SaaS, and complex commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of intellectual property law, data privacy regulations (POPIA, GDPR), and e-commerce.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice on technology-related matters, including software licensing, SaaS agreements, and data protection (POPIA).
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide array of commercial contracts, partnerships and vendor agreements.
• Manage and protect the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights and patents.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including consumer protection and industry-specific standards.
• Conduct legal research and provide clear, actionable guidance to business stakeholders.
• Assist in development and implementation of company policies and procedures.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes and claims, liaising with external counsel when required.
• Support international expansion efforts from a legal and regulatory perspective.
• Advise on employment law matters relevant to a remote workforce.
• Contribute to the overall risk management strategy of the organization.

Skills

Corporate law

Technology law

IP law

Data privacy

Contract negotiation

Remote work

Legal research

Education

Admitted Attorney (South Africa)

Tools

Case management software

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology firm, is actively seeking a talented and versatile In-House Counsel to join their expanding legal department. This is a fully remote, remote-first opportunity, empowering you to contribute your expertise from the comfort of your home office anywhere in South Africa. We are looking for a legal professional who can navigate the complexities of the tech industry, providing robust legal support for product development, intellectual property, commercial agreements, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of technology law, data privacy, and commercial contracts, coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving. As a remote-first organization, all our operations and communications are optimized for distributed teams, ensuring a seamless and productive working experience. This role offers a unique chance to be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation, collaboration, and the well-being of its employees, providing significant opportunities for professional growth in a cutting-edge sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice on technology-related matters, including software licensing, SaaS agreements, and data protection (POPIA).
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of commercial contracts, partnerships, and vendor agreements.
• Manage and protect the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including consumer protection and industry-specific standards.
• Conduct legal research and provide clear, actionable guidance to business stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and implementation of company policies and procedures.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes and claims, liaising with external counsel when required.
• Support international expansion efforts from a legal and regulatory perspective.
• Advise on employment law matters relevant to a remote workforce.
• Contribute to the overall risk management strategy of the organization.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate with a minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong emphasis on corporate and technology law.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating software licensing, SaaS, and complex commercial agreements.
• Solid understanding of intellectual property law, data privacy regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR), and e-commerce.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload in a remote setting.
• Adaptability and a proactive mindset to address evolving legal challenges.
• Experience within a fast-paced startup or technology company environment is advantageous.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software.
• A strong commitment to ethical practice and professional excellence.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary package up to R per annum.
• A fully remote, remote-first working environment with excellent flexibility.
• Generous home office setup allowance and ongoing tech support.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Ample annual leave and paid time off.
• Access to cutting-edge legal resources and professional development programs.
• A dynamic, inclusive, and innovative company culture.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Regular virtual team-building activities and social events.