Junior Corporate and Commercial Lawyer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship and guidance from partners

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid/Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Corporate and Commercial Lawyer in the Western Cape, Paarl region. You will work with senior lawyers on company formations, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and general corporate advisory work in a hybrid setup.

This entry-level role offers mentorship, exposure to diverse transactions, and opportunities to grow in a supportive firm culture, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with SA High Court eligibility.
• Completed articles of clerkship with corporate exposure.
• Strong academic record in law.
• Excellent research, drafting and analytics.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Organised with strong time management.
• Proficient in MS Office and legal databases.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior lawyers on corporate and commercial matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions and memoranda.
• Draft and review commercial agreements and contracts.
• Support due diligence for corporate transactions.
• Assist with company secretarial duties and compliance.
• Participate in client meetings and correspondence.
• Manage a caseload of smaller matters under supervision.
• Stay updated on relevant laws and case developments.
• Contribute to knowledge management and BD initiatives.
• Ensure accurate time recording and billing.

Skills

Legal research

Legal drafting

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

MS Office

Legal databases

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Articles of clerkship completed

Strong academic record

Tools

MS Office Suite

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected commercial law firm with a strong reputation in the Paarl, Western Cape region, is looking for a bright and ambitious Junior Corporate and Commercial Lawyer to join their dedicated team. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a newly admitted or recently qualified attorney eager to build a career in corporate and commercial law. You will gain invaluable experience working alongside senior lawyers on a wide range of matters, including company formations, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and general corporate advisory work. This role adopts a hybrid work model, combining essential in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Join a supportive environment where professional growth is encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior lawyers in advising clients on corporate and commercial law matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions and memoranda.
• Draft, review, and amend various commercial agreements, including service agreements, partnership agreements, and shareholder agreements.
• Support the due diligence process for corporate transactions.
• Assist with company secretarial duties and corporate governance compliance.
• Participate in client meetings and correspondence.
• Manage a caseload of smaller corporate and commercial matters under supervision.
• Stay updated on relevant legislation and case law affecting corporate and commercial practice.
• Contribute to the firm's knowledge management and business development initiatives.
• Ensure accurate time recording and billing practices.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Completed articles of clerkship with exposure to corporate and/or commercial law.
• A strong academic record with a keen interest in corporate and commercial law.
• Excellent legal research, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Organised and detail-oriented with strong time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research databases.
• Willingness to commit to a hybrid work schedule in Paarl, Western Cape.
• Enthusiastic and eager to learn and develop legal expertise.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and benefits package.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced partners and senior associates.
• Opportunities for professional development and further studies.
• Exposure to a diverse range of corporate and commercial transactions.
• Supportive and collegial firm culture.
• Contribution towards medical aid and provident fund.
• Annual leave and sick leave benefits.
• Potential for future career progression within the firm.
• Modern office facilities.
• Regular professional development workshops.