Legal Advisor - Legal Associate

SMD Technologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational manufacturer in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Legal Advisor to manage complex legal matters across local and international jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial legal background, excellent drafting and negotiation skills, and experience in managing legal risk and compliance. This role requires exceptional communication skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court.
• Minimum of 5 years’ post-admission legal experience.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Solid knowledge of South African commercial law.
• Experience in managing legal risk and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Manage the full lifecycle of legal documents.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks.
• Oversee and manage litigation processes.
• Provide legal advice on relevant laws.

Skills

Admitted Attorney of the High Court

Strong drafting and negotiation skills

Solid knowledge of South African commercial law

Experience in managing legal risk

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Education

Minimum of 5 years’ post-admission legal experience

Job description

Company Overview

We are a leading multinational manufacturer and distributor of consumer goods and electronics, operating across diverse global markets. Innovation, compliance, and responsible business practices are at the core of our success. As we continue to expand, we are looking for a dynamic and experienced Legal Advisor to join our legal team and support our global operations.

Position Summary

The Legal Advisor will be responsible for managing a wide range of complex legal matters for the group across local and international jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial legal background, a sharp business acumen, and a pragmatic approach to managing legal risk in a fast-paced multinational environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court.
• Minimum of 5 years’ post-admission legal experience, ideally within a large law firm, corporate, or multinational environment.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Solid knowledge of South African commercial law and familiarity with international legal frameworks.
• Experience in managing legal risk, litigation, and compliance with local and global legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Managing the full lifecycle of legal documents for the group, including:
• Commercial Agreements: Service level, distribution, joint venture, profit share, and sale agreements (business, shares, subscription).
• Corporate Documents: Shareholders agreements, MOIs, deeds of adherence, resolutions.
• Lease and Finance Agreements: Lease agreements, loan agreements, pledge and cession agreements, guarantees, and suretyships.
• IP and Confidentiality: NDAs, non-circumvent agreements, trademark matters.
• Internal Compliance: Policies, terms, and conditions.
• Legal Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks.
• Litigation Management: Oversee and manage litigation and dispute resolution processes.
• Regulatory Compliance & Advisory: Provide legal advice and opinions on relevant laws such as CPA, NCA, POPIA, Companies Act, and Competition Act. Stay updated on legislative changes.
• Legal Research & Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct legal research, prepare reports, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative approach.
• Sound judgment and solutions-oriented mindset.