In-House Counsel - Technology & IP

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel with a strong focus on technology and IP for a fully remote role. You will advise on software licensing, IP protection, data privacy, and commercial contracts, collaborating with product, engineering and business teams to support rapid growth and innovation.

The role requires a South Africa-registered Attorney with 7+ years in technology/IP and experience drafting complex tech agreements, POPIA/GDPR considerations, and open-source

Qualifications

• Qualified attorney with SA admission and 7+ years in technology/IP and commercial contracts.
• Experience in in-house or tech-focused law firm settings preferred.
• Strong understanding of IP protection strategies and data privacy.

Responsibilities

• Advise on IP protection, patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate software licensing, SaaS and technology contracts.
• Guide data privacy and cybersecurity compliance (POPIA, GDPR).
• Support product development with legal input on new features and tech.
• Oversee trademark/patent filings and prosecutions.
• Review marketing materials and product claims for compliance.
• Advise on open-source compliance and related risks.
• Assist with corporate matters, including commercial agreements and disputes.
• Develop and maintain internal tech/IP policies and procedures.

Skills

IP law

Tech contracts

Data privacy

POPIA compliance

Open-source

Education

LLB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge technology firm renowned for its innovative software solutions, is looking for a dynamic and experienced In-House Counsel with a strong focus on Technology and Intellectual Property (IP). This is a fully remote position, offering the ultimate flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be the primary legal resource for the company, advising on a broad range of legal matters including software licensing, IP protection, data privacy, commercial contracts, and emerging technology law. This role is critical to safeguarding the company's intellectual assets and ensuring its continued growth and innovation in the competitive tech landscape. You will collaborate closely with product development, engineering, and business teams, providing strategic legal guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel on all aspects of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate software licensing agreements, SaaS agreements, and other technology-related contracts.
• Advise on data privacy and cybersecurity laws (e.g., POPIA, GDPR) and ensure compliance.
• Support product development teams by providing legal input on new features and technologies.
• Manage and oversee trademark and patent filings and prosecution.
• Conduct legal reviews of marketing materials and product claims.
• Advise on open-source software compliance and related risks.
• Assist with corporate legal matters as needed, including commercial agreements and dispute resolution.
• Develop and maintain internal legal policies and procedures related to technology and IP.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an accredited university.
• Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 7 years of legal experience, with a substantial portion focused on technology law, IP law, and commercial contracts, ideally in an in-house or technology-focused law firm setting.
• Deep understanding of IP principles and protection strategies.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex technology-related agreements.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations and cybersecurity best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to provide practical, commercially sound legal advice.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, fully remote work environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package tailored for a remote workforce. Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and autonomy working from home, with opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading technology company. This role provides direct exposure to strategic decision-making and innovation within the tech sector. We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and provide resources to support your career advancement. This fully remote position allows you to contribute significantly to our innovative endeavors from anywhere, without the constraints of traditional office locations near **Klerksdorp, North West, ZA**.