Lead Litigation Attorney

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Partnership opportunity

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Litigation Attorney to spearhead a growing civil and commercial litigation practice. You will guide a team of litigators, mentor junior associates, and handle high-stakes cases from inception through resolution, including courtroom appearances and alternative dispute resolution.

The role requires an admitted SA High Court attorney with 10+ years’ post-admission experience, proven success in complex litigation, and strong leadership and advocacy.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 10+ years post‑admission experience in litigation.
• Proven track record in complex civil/commercial litigation and trials.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and team-building abilities.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage civil and commercial litigation matters from pre-trial to post-trial.
• Develop and implement litigation strategies for complex cases.
• Mentor and train junior attorneys and staff in the litigation department.
• Conduct legal research and craft pleadings, motions and discovery requests.
• Represent clients in court, mediations, arbitrations and settlements.
• Draft, review, and finalize legal documents and pleadings.
• Manage caseloads and ensure deadlines and client communications.
• Collaborate with other departments to provide comprehensive legal support.
• Stay updated on changes in litigation law and procedure.

Skills

Leadership

Oral advocacy

Negotiation

Legal research

Tools

Legal research databases

Litigation support software

Job description

About the Role A prominent and highly respected law firm based in George, Western Cape , is actively seeking an experienced and results-oriented Lead Litigation Attorney to spearhead their burgeoning litigation practice. This senior position demands a seasoned legal professional with a proven track record of success in managing complex civil and commercial litigation matters. You will be responsible for guiding a team of talented litigators, mentoring junior associates, and maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence in advocacy and client service. The role involves handling high-stakes cases from inception through to resolution, including extensive courtroom appearances and alternative dispute resolution. This is an ideal opportunity for a dedicated attorney looking to take on greater leadership responsibilities and shape the future of a dynamic legal team in a picturesque coastal city.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of civil and commercial litigation cases, from pre-trial investigations to trial and post-trial proceedings.
• Develop and implement effective litigation strategies for complex cases, ensuring optimal outcomes for clients.
• Supervise, mentor, and train junior attorneys and legal staff within the litigation department.
• Conduct thorough legal research, analyze case law, and prepare compelling legal arguments and pleadings.
• Represent clients in court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences.
• Draft and review various legal documents, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery requests, and settlement agreements.
• Manage caseloads efficiently, ensuring all deadlines are met and client communications are maintained.
• Collaborate with other departments within the firm to provide comprehensive legal support.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes and developments in litigation law and procedure.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 10 years of post-admission experience, specializing in litigation.
• Demonstrated success in handling complex commercial litigation, property disputes, or related fields.
• Extensive experience in drafting pleadings, managing discovery, and conducting trials in various South African courts.
• Strong leadership, management, and team-building skills.
• Exceptional oral advocacy, written communication, and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and litigation support software.
• A strong commitment to ethical legal practice and client confidentiality.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage demanding caseloads effectively.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape and occasionally nationally.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary and a performance-based bonus structure.
• The firm provides generous leave entitlements, comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Professional development opportunities, including continuing legal education, are strongly supported.
• Employees enjoy a collegial work environment in the beautiful setting of George, Western Cape , with potential for partnership for outstanding candidates.