In-House Legal Advisor (Contracts Specialist)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Medical aid & retirement fund

Career growth & upskilling

Access to advanced legal tech tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an In-House Legal Advisor in Cape Town to manage drafting, review and negotiation of commercial contracts, including software licenses, SLAs and partnerships. You will advise on rights, obligations, and risks across departments and develop standard templates to streamline processes.

The role requires Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA with at least 5 years' post‑admission experience in commercial contract law, and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years' post-admission experience focusing on commercial contract law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex agreements.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts (software licenses, SLAs, partnerships, vendor contracts).
• Provide legal advice on contractual rights, obligations, and risks to Sales, Procurement, and Product teams.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks.
• Manage contract lifecycle: renewals, amendments, terminations.
• Assist in dispute resolution and advise on litigation strategy when needed.
• Stay updated on fintech-related laws and regulations in SA.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into protections.
• Support data privacy and consumer protection compliance.

Skills

Contract Law

Commercial Drafting

Negotiation

Legal Research

Attention to detail

Communication

Team Collaboration

Tools

Legal Research Tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing fintech company based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape , is looking for a dedicated and sharp In-House Legal Advisor specializing in contracts. This role is critical for supporting the company's expanding operations by ensuring all contractual frameworks are robust, legally sound, and aligned with business objectives. You will be at the forefront of managing the lifecycle of various commercial agreements, from drafting and negotiation to review and dispute resolution. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic team and contribute directly to the success of an innovative organization within the thriving South African tech ecosystem. The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for detail and a proactive mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a diverse range of commercial contracts, including software licenses, service level agreements, partnership agreements, and vendor contracts.
• Provide legal advice on contractual rights, obligations, and potential risks to various departments, including Sales, Procurement, and Product Development.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates and playbooks to streamline the contracting process.
• Manage contract lifecycle, ensuring timely renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Assist in the resolution of contract disputes and provide guidance on litigation strategy when necessary.
• Stay abreast of relevant laws and regulations affecting the fintech industry in Cape Town and nationally.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and translate them into effective legal protections.
• Support compliance initiatives related to data privacy and consumer protection.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 5 years' post-admission experience, with a significant focus on commercial contract law.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating complex agreements.
• Strong understanding of contract law principles and their practical application.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment in Western Cape .
• Proficiency in legal research tools.
• Experience within the technology or financial services sector is highly desirable.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package reflecting your expertise.
• Generous leave allocation and performance-based bonuses.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement fund.
• Access to cutting-edge legal technology and resources.
• A dynamic and inclusive company culture in the heart of Cape Town .
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.