In-House Legal Counsel

Placements24; Welkom; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, seeks an experienced In-House Legal Counsel to support its expanding operations with commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and corporate law guidance.

You will provide pragmatic legal advice, manage governance matters, oversee external counsel, and contribute to risk mitigation while aligning legal strategy with business goals in the Welkom region.

Qualifications

• Qualified LLB or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted as Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• 8+ years post-qualification experience in corporate and commercial law.
• In-house counsel experience or advising corporate clients preferred.
• Strong contract, governance and regulatory compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on commercial contracts, employment law, and intellectual property.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Manage corporate compliance and regulatory adherence.
• Advise on governance matters, board resolutions and shareholder communications.
• Oversee litigation or dispute resolution and engage external counsel as needed.
• Conduct legal due diligence for mergers, acquisitions and strategic transactions.
• Develop and maintain internal legal policies and procedures.
• Liaise with external advisors and regulatory bodies as required.
• Conduct legal research and provide timely analysis on emergent issues.

Skills

Legal expertise

Contract drafting

Regulatory compliance

Negotiation

Communication

Education

LLB degree

Admission as Attorney/Advocate SA

Job description

About the Role Our client, a rapidly expanding industrial group headquartered in Welkom, Free State, is seeking a dynamic and resourceful In-House Legal Counsel. This position is integral to supporting the company's extensive operations, offering strategic legal advice on a wide array of matters including commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and corporate law. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in mitigating legal risks and ensuring the company operates within the legal framework of South Africa. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned legal professional to embed themselves within a growing organization and contribute directly to its strategic direction in the Welkom region. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing legal strategies that align with business goals, fostering a culture of compliance and ethical conduct throughout the organization. The role requires a proactive and commercially minded individual who can navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of the company's operations, including commercial agreements, employment law, and intellectual property.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various contracts, ensuring legal soundness and alignment with business objectives.
• Manage corporate compliance, ensuring adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Advise on corporate governance matters, board resolutions, and shareholder communications.
• Oversee and manage any litigation or dispute resolution processes, engaging external counsel when necessary.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
• Develop and maintain internal legal policies and procedures.
• Liaise with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies as required.
• Conduct legal research and provide timely analysis on emerging legal issues impacting the business.

Requirements

• An LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, with significant experience in corporate and commercial law.
• Demonstrable experience in providing in-house legal counsel or advising corporate clients.
• Strong understanding of contract law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to provide pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse legal workload independently.