Lead Corporate Lawyer (Remote)

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Competitive base salary + bonuses

Equity participation potential

Health insurance and retirement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Lead Corporate Lawyer to spearhead corporate legal initiatives on a fully remote basis. This senior role oversees governance, complex transactions, compliance, and coordination with external counsel to support growth.

The ideal candidate has at least 9 years of post-admission experience, an LLB, and admission as an attorney or advocate, with a proven track record in leading corporate transactions and advising on financing strategies.

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a reputable university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa with active practicing certificate.
• Minimum 9 years post-admission experience focusing on corporate law, M&A and corporate finance.
• Experience leading complex corporate transactions from start to finish.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate law, securities law and financial regulations.
• Exceptional negotiation, drafting and strategic advisory skills.
• Proven leadership and ability to manage legal team and external resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all corporate legal matters for the company.
• Oversee governance functions: board resolutions, shareholder agreements, regulatory filings.
• Structure, draft and negotiate mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures.
• Provide expert legal advice on capital raising and financing arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with corporate laws and regulatory frameworks.
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution related to corporate activities.
• Develop and implement corporate policies to mitigate risk.
• Mentor junior lawyers and coordinate external counsel.
• Conduct legal due diligence for investments and partnerships.
• Stay informed on market trends and legal developments.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Drafting

Strategic advisory

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

LLB degree

Admission as Attorney/Advocate

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding financial services firm, is actively seeking a Lead Corporate Lawyer to spearhead their legal initiatives on a fully remote basis. This senior position is crucial for overseeing the company's corporate legal affairs, including strategic transactions, corporate governance, compliance, and complex contract negotiations. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's legal strategy and ensuring robust legal frameworks are in place to support its growth objectives. This is an unparalleled remote opportunity for an experienced corporate law specialist to demonstrate leadership and expertise within a highly reputable organization, working from anywhere within South Africa. Benoni is a location where our client has a significant presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the company's corporate legal matters.
• Oversee corporate governance functions, including board resolutions, shareholder agreements, and regulatory filings.
• Structure, draft, and negotiate complex corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestitures.
• Provide expert legal advice on capital raising activities and financing arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable corporate laws, listing requirements (if applicable), and regulatory frameworks.
• Manage and direct litigation and dispute resolution processes related to corporate activities.
• Develop and implement corporate legal policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Supervise and mentor junior legal team members and manage external counsel relationships effectively.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential investments and strategic partnerships.
• Stay informed about market trends and legal developments impacting the financial services sector.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a reputable university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa with an active practicing certificate.
• A minimum of 9 years of post-admission experience with a strong emphasis on corporate law, M&A, and corporate finance, gained at a leading law firm or as senior in-house counsel.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex corporate transactions from inception to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate law, securities law, and relevant financial regulations.
• Exceptional negotiation, drafting, and strategic advisory skills.
• Proven leadership capabilities and the ability to manage a legal team and external resources.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to align legal advice with commercial objectives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, remote working environment, managing multiple high-stakes projects.
• A proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote, full-time, permanent role offering significant career growth and the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa. Our client provides a leading compensation package, including a competitive base salary, performance bonuses, and potentially equity participation.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits are standard.
• Continuous professional development and exposure to high-profile legal matters are guaranteed.
• This role represents a key leadership position within our client's organization, offering the chance to shape legal strategy in a dynamic financial services environment.