Lead In-House Counsel - Technology & IP

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Fully remote

Health & wellness benefits

Leadership growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Lead In-House Counsel with technology and IP expertise to lead the company’s legal strategy from a remote basis. You will oversee IP portfolio, software licensing, data privacy compliance, and commercial agreements, partnering with R&D and product teams to enable innovation while managing risk.

The role requires LLB, SA admission, 8+ years in technology/IP law, and a track record advising fast-scaling tech companies.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal degree from a recognized institution.
• Admission to practice law in South Africa, with a strong track record in technology and IP law.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant legal experience, with a significant portion gained in-house at a technology company or in private practice specializing in technology and IP.
• Deep understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
• Extensive experience with technology licensing, SaaS agreements, and software development contracts.
• Knowledge of global data privacy laws and best practices.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and lead effectively in a fully remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IP strategy, including patent, trademark, and copyright management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate technology-related agreements, including software licenses, SaaS, NDAs, and development agreements.
• Provide expert counsel on data privacy regulations (POPIA, GDPR) and ensure compliance across operations.
• Advise on open-source software usage and licensing compliance.
• Manage and oversee IP litigation and enforcement.
• Collaborate with R&D and product teams to provide legal guidance on new product development and feature releases.
• Conduct IP due diligence for acquisitions, partnerships, and investments.
• Develop and deliver training programs to internal teams on IP and technology law matters.

Skills

IP law

Technology licensing

SaaS agreements

Data privacy

Negotiation

Education

LLB (South Africa)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly scaling technology firm headquartered in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking a seasoned and strategic Lead In-House Counsel with a specialization in Technology and Intellectual Property (IP). This is a pivotal, fully remote leadership position responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the company's technology development, IP portfolio, data privacy, and commercial transactions. You will be instrumental in shaping the company's legal strategy, mitigating risks, and ensuring robust protection of its intellectual assets. Working within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, you will collaborate with executive leadership, engineering teams, and product development to drive innovation while maintaining legal integrity. This role demands a proactive approach and the ability to thrive in a remote-first, highly collaborative culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IP strategy, including patent, trademark, and copyright management.


• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of technology-related agreements, including software licenses, SaaS agreements, NDAs, and development agreements.


• Provide expert legal counsel on data privacy regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR) and ensure compliance across all operations.


• Advise on open-source software usage and licensing compliance.


• Manage and oversee all aspects of IP litigation and enforcement.


• Collaborate with R&D and product teams to provide legal guidance on new product development and feature releases.


• Conduct IP due diligence for potential acquisitions, partnerships, and investments.


• Develop and deliver training programs to internal teams on IP and technology law matters.


• Manage external counsel relationships for specialized legal needs.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal degree from a recognized institution.


• Admission to practice law in South Africa, with a strong track record in technology and IP law.


• A minimum of 8 years of relevant legal experience, with a significant portion gained in-house at a technology company or in private practice specializing in technology and IP.


• Deep understanding of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.


• Extensive experience with technology licensing, SaaS agreements, and software development contracts.


• Knowledge of global data privacy laws and best practices.


• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.


• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.


• Proven ability to work autonomously and lead effectively in a fully remote setting.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary and bonus structure.


• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote role.


• Significant impact on the strategic direction of an innovative technology company.


• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.


• Opportunities for professional leadership and growth.