In-House Legal Counsel - Advocate of the High Court

Ikwezi Mining (Pty) Ltd; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A mining company in Gauteng is seeking an experienced legal professional to manage litigation, draft various commercial contracts, and provide compliance-related legal advice. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience, is an admitted advocate of the High Court of South Africa, and possesses strong skills in drafting and negotiation. The role is office-based with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years post-admission experience in litigation and commercial legal work.
• Prior legal experience within mining, manufacturing, or similar heavy industry preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to handle High Court litigation and complex contractual matters.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee litigation matters including High Court cases and regulatory actions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Provide legal advice on various business law issues.
• Identify legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support internal investigations and audits from a legal perspective.

Skills

Excellent knowledge of South African commercial law

Strong legal drafting skills

Analytical and detail-oriented

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Manage and oversee litigation matters, including High Court cases, labour disputes, and regulatory actions.

Prepare and review legal pleadings, affidavits, and related documents.

Represent the company in legal proceedings where appropriate.

Provide legal opinions and strategic input on litigation risk and potential outcomes.

Contract Drafting & Oversight

Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including supply, procurement, service, sales, and confidentiality contracts.

Ensure all contracts are legally sound, aligned with business strategy, and comply with company policies.

Advise operational teams on contract interpretation, risks, and implementation.

Maintain standard contract templates and update them in line with legislative and business changes.

Legal Advisory & Compliance

Provide practical legal advice to business units on issues relating to commercial law, mining law, labour, regulatory compliance, and environmental law.

Monitor legislative developments relevant to the mining and manufacturing industry and communicate implications to the business.

Assist with drafting and implementing internal legal policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.

Support internal investigations and audits from a legal perspective.

Risk Management & Governance

Identify legal risks in business operations and recommend mitigation strategies.

Contribute to good corporate governance and ensure the organisation adheres to statutory and regulatory requirements.

Provide legal input into strategic and operational decision-making processes.

Minimum Requirements

• LLB degree (LLM advantageous).
• Admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum 5 years post-admission experience in litigation and commercial legal work.
• Prior legal experience within mining, manufacturing, or a similar heavy industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to handle High Court litigation and complex contractual matters.
• Competencies & Skills
• Excellent knowledge of South African commercial, civil, labour, and regulatory law.
• Strong legal drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and commercially astute.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism.

Working Conditions

Office-based role with occasional travel to operational sites, courts, or regulatory bodies.

Fast-paced environment with exposure to complex and sensitive matters.