Junior Associate - Dispute Resolution

Placements24; Paarl; Remote; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid benefits

Retirement fund

Professional development and mentoring

Fully remote with flexible hours

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prestigious South African law firm in recruiting a Junior Associate to join a fully remote team. The role is ideal for a newly admitted attorney or those with 1-2 years of post-admission experience, focusing on complex litigation and dispute resolution from anywhere in South Africa.

You will support senior lawyers with case management, research, pleadings, and client communications, benefiting from mentorship and a remote-first culture that promotes professional

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a recognized university and admission as an SA attorney.
• Strong legal research and writing skills essential.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote, professional setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior attorneys in all phases of litigation and dispute resolution.
• Conduct in-depth legal research on complex issues, statutes, and case law.
• Draft pleadings, motions, affidavits, and discovery requests/responses.
• Review evidence and case files to support case strategy.
• Communicate with clients, witnesses, and external parties to gather information.
• Prepare summaries of research and analyses for senior lawyers.
• Support hearings, trials, and mediations preparation.
• Maintain organized electronic case files and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with professional conduct rules and firm procedures.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to case strategy discussions.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

LLB degree

Admitted as Attorney (SA High Court)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious and highly regarded law firm renowned for its expertise in dispute resolution, is seeking an ambitious Junior Associate to join their fully remote team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a newly admitted attorney or one with 1-2 years of post-admission experience to immerse themselves in complex litigation and alternative dispute resolution matters. Working from anywhere within South Africa, you will support senior legal professionals in managing case files, conducting thorough legal research, drafting pleadings, and engaging with clients. The firm fosters a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth, providing the necessary tools and mentorship for success in a remote-first environment. Our client is committed to building a strong and dynamic team, and this role is integral to their continued success in providing top-tier legal services. The firm's administrative hub is notionally located in Paarl, Western Cape, ZA, but the role is entirely remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior attorneys in all phases of litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Conduct in-depth legal research on complex legal issues, statutes, and case law.
• Draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, affidavits, and discovery requests/responses.
• Review and analyze evidence, case files, and relevant documentation.
• Communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, and external parties to gather information and provide updates.
• Prepare summaries of legal research and case analyses for senior lawyers.
• Assist with the preparation for hearings, trials, and mediations.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date electronic case files.
• Ensure all tasks are completed in compliance with professional conduct rules and firm procedures.
• Participate actively in team meetings and contribute to case strategy discussions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• 1-2 years of post-admission experience in litigation or dispute resolution is preferred, but strong candidates with no prior experience will be considered.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and critical thinking.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research platforms.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.
• Must be self-motivated, disciplined, and able to work independently.
• A commitment to professional ethics and client service.
• Residency within South Africa is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid benefits.
• Membership in a retirement fund.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
• Fully remote working arrangement with flexible hours.
• Exposure to high-profile cases and complex legal challenges.
• A supportive and collaborative firm culture focused on professional growth.
• Generous annual leave.