Junior Legal Counsel - Corporate & Commercial

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Mentorship from senior lawyers

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Legal Counsel to join its legal team in a fully remote capacity. This early-career role offers exposure to corporate and commercial law, drafting agreements, and research, with mentorship from senior lawyers.

You will support compliance, manage basic corporate records, and contribute to policy development in a flexible remote environment. Ideal for newly qualified lawyers seeking diverse experience and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Qualified attorney with admission or nearing admission to SA High Court.
• Strong academic record with interest in corporate/commercial law.
• Proficient in legal research, writing and analysis.
• Able to work independently in a remote setting and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting, reviewing and revising commercial contracts and legal documents.
• Conduct legal research on corporate/commercial matters.
• Support governance and compliance initiatives with senior counsel.
• Maintain corporate records and filing systems for the legal department.
• Prepare legal opinions and memoranda as needed.
• Respond to basic legal queries from internal teams.
• Assist with litigation files and regulatory filings under supervision.
• Help develop and implement legal policies and procedures.

Skills

Legal research

Contract drafting

Legal writing

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court (SA)

Tools

Legal databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing organization, is seeking an ambitious Junior Legal Counsel to join their legal department. This fully remote position offers an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified or early-career lawyer to gain diverse experience in corporate and commercial law. The successful candidate will assist senior legal colleagues in providing comprehensive legal support to the business, including drafting agreements, conducting legal research, and ensuring compliance. This role is ideally suited for a self‑motivated individual who thrives in a remote work environment and is eager to develop their legal expertise. You will play a supportive but crucial role in the company's ongoing success, contributing to various legal initiatives from your remote location.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and revising various commercial contracts, agreements, and legal documents.
• Conduct legal research on diverse corporate and commercial law matters.
• Support senior counsel in corporate governance activities and compliance initiatives.
• Help manage corporate records and maintain legal department filing systems.
• Assist in the preparation of legal opinions and memoranda.
• Respond to basic legal queries from internal business units.
• Support the team in managing litigation files and regulatory filings under supervision.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures.
• Undertake other legal tasks and projects as assigned by senior legal counsel.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, or nearing admission, with 1-3 years of post‑qualification experience.
• A strong academic record with a demonstrable interest in corporate and commercial law.
• Basic understanding of South African corporate law and contract law principles.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and standard office software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Proactive attitude and a willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary for an early‑career professional.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and study leave provisions.
• Significant opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote role.
• Exposure to a wide range of legal work within a supportive environment.
• Contribute to the growth and success of a forward‑thinking company.