Junior Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from senior professionals

Hands-on training

Competitive stipend

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Junior Legal Counsel to join the in-house legal team. This entry-level role offers exposure to commercial law and contract management for a recent law graduate or 1–2 years of experience.

You will draft, review, and manage commercial agreements, supporting the broader legal team with applicable tasks. A mentorship-driven environment fosters growth in corporate law careers at our Bloemfontein facility.

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a recognized university.
• Admitted as a candidate attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• 0-2 years of legal experience, preferably with exposure to commercial law or contract drafting.
• Strong understanding of contract law principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proactive attitude and a strong desire to learn and develop legal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating standard commercial contracts (supply agreements, SLAs, NDAs).
• Support senior counsel in managing contract lifecycle, storage, renewals, and amendments.
• Conduct legal research and provide concise summaries to the legal team.
• Assist with corporate compliance and maintain corporate records.
• Support litigation and dispute resolution processes as needed.
• Review marketing materials and ensure legal compliance.
• Develop and update standard contract templates and legal forms.
• Liaise with internal departments to gather information and provide basic legal support.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to departmental projects.
• Learn and apply company policies and procedures to legal tasks.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

LLB degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing company located in Bloemfontein, is seeking a motivated and eager Junior Legal Counsel to join their in-house legal department. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent law graduate or someone with 1-2 years of experience to gain valuable exposure to commercial law and contract management within a corporate setting. The role is based full-time at our Bloemfontein facility, providing hands-on experience and mentorship from senior legal professionals. You will be involved in the review, drafting, and management of various commercial agreements, supporting the broader legal team on diverse matters. We are looking for a candidate with a strong foundation in legal principles, a meticulous approach, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning and contributing to the business’s success. This role offers a structured learning environment and the chance to build a solid career in corporate law.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the drafting, review, and negotiation of standard commercial contracts, including supply agreements, service level agreements (SLAs), and NDAs.
• Support senior legal counsel in managing the company's contract lifecycle, including contract storage, renewal tracking, and amendment processes.
• Conduct legal research on various commercial law topics and provide concise summaries to the legal team.
• Assist with corporate compliance matters and help maintain corporate records.
• Support the legal department in managing litigation and dispute resolution processes as needed.
• Review marketing materials and advertising campaigns for legal compliance.
• Help develop and update standard contract templates and legal forms.
• Liaise with internal departments to gather information and provide basic legal support.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to departmental projects.
• Learn and apply company policies and procedures to legal tasks.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admitted as a candidate attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• 0-2 years of legal experience, preferably with exposure to commercial law or contract drafting.
• A strong understanding of contract law principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• A proactive attitude and a strong desire to learn and develop legal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and follow instructions accurately.
• Must be able to commit to full-time attendance at the Bloemfontein office.

Benefits

• Competitive internship stipend/salary.
• Hands-on training and mentorship from experienced legal professionals.
• Opportunity to gain practical legal experience in a corporate environment.
• Exposure to a wide range of commercial legal issues.
• Potential for future full-time employment based on performance and business needs.
• A supportive and professional work environment.
• Development of essential legal and professional skills.