In-house Legal Counsel - Technology

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Equity potential

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng seeks an experienced In-house Legal Counsel to support a fast-growing tech company. You will handle IP, data privacy, and commercial agreements, while aligning legal strategy with business growth.

The role offers remote work and opportunities to shape the company’s legal framework. The ideal candidate is an admitted SA attorney with 6+ years post-qualification experience, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and a proactive, business-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with at least 6 years post-qualification experience.
• Strong knowledge of intellectual property, data privacy and commercial contracting.
• Experience advising technology companies or working in a tech-focused legal role.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with the Pretoria legal/business environment is a plus.
• Admission to practice in other jurisdictions is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on IP matters (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets).
• Draft, review and negotiate SaaS, licensing and partnership agreements.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (POPIA) and advise on privacy practices.
• Support product development with legal guidance on new tech/features.
• Manage external legal counsel and oversee litigation as needed.
• Conduct legal research on tech laws and industry trends.
• Develop internal legal policies and training programs.
• Advise on corporate governance and compliance.
• Assist with mergers, acquisitions and strategic transactions.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Independent work

Communication

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding technology firm at the forefront of innovation, is seeking a talented and motivated In-house Legal Counsel to join their dynamic team. This role, based in Pretoria, Gauteng, will offer comprehensive legal support across various aspects of the business, with a strong focus on intellectual property, data privacy, and commercial agreements within the tech sector. The ideal candidate will possess a sharp legal mind, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for technology law. You will work closely with executive leadership and operational teams, providing strategic legal guidance that supports the company's growth trajectory and safeguards its interests. This is an exceptional opportunity for a legal professional looking to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. The position requires a deep understanding of the legal challenges and opportunities inherent in the technology industry. We are looking for an individual who can operate autonomously and contribute to the legal strategy of a forward-thinking organisation based in Pretoria.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on intellectual property matters, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, such as SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, and partnership agreements.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., POPIA) and advise on privacy best practices.
• Support product development by providing legal guidance on new technologies and features.
• Manage external legal counsel and oversee litigation matters as required.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on relevant technology laws and industry trends.
• Develop and implement internal legal policies and training programs.
• Advise on corporate governance and compliance matters.
• Assist with mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with at least 6 years of relevant post-qualification experience, preferably with a focus on technology law.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property law, data privacy regulations, and commercial contracting.
• Experience advising technology companies or working within a tech-focused legal role.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Proactive and business-minded approach to legal problem-solving.
• Familiarity with the Pretoria legal and business environment is a plus.
• Admission to practice in other relevant jurisdictions is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund package.
• Generous provision for professional development and continuing legal education.
• A fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to shape the legal framework of a rapidly growing technology company.
• Access to cutting-edge legal technology and resources.
• A collaborative and innovative company culture.
• Potential for equity participation for exceptional candidates.