Legal Associate

Robert Walters; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

An Africa-focused investment firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Legal Associate to support its legal function. This mid-level role requires a qualified attorney with strong banking and finance law experience. The successful candidate will manage legal agreements, advise on investments, and ensure compliance across various funds and practices. A background in M&A and litigation will be beneficial.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of post-qualification experience in a banking and finance practice.
• Experience with investment funds or financial service providers preferred.
• Litigation background beneficial (debt recovery or insolvency).

Responsibilities

• Review legal agreements and documents for investment funds.
• Advise on deal structures and investment-related documentation.
• Draft legal templates and contracts for the firm.

Skills

Banking and finance law

Drafting skills

Attention to detail

Compliance knowledge

Education

Qualified attorney in South Africa

Job description

About the role

Our client is an Africa-focused investment firm providing mezzanine and senior debt financing to mid-market businesses and renewable energy projects across the continent. The firm is seeking a Legal Associate to support its legal function across all business areas, including the Mezzanine Fund, GreenX Fund, and Education Fund.

Overview

This is a mid-level role suited to a qualified attorney with a strong background in banking and finance law, ideally gained at a leading law firm. Exposure to M&A transactions, investment funds, or financial services is beneficial. The successful candidate will work directly with senior leadership, with involvement in a range of legal, compliance, and transactional matters across the firm’s operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Review legal agreements and documents relating to new and existing investments across various funds.
• Advise on deal structures, term sheets, and other investment-related documentation.
• Draft and update legal templates, contracts, and internal correspondence.
• Support fundraising activities, including investor onboarding and fund documentation.
• Provide legal insight during due diligence and transaction execution.
• Manage litigation matters affecting portfolio companies, with input on strategy and risk.
• Oversee compliance with FAIS, KYC, AML, and internal policies.
• Provide company secretarial and board support where required.
• Report on legal and compliance matters to senior management and stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified and admitted attorney (South Africa) with at least 4 years’ post-qualification experience (including articles).
• Solid experience in a reputable Banking and Finance practice; M&A exposure advantageous.
• Experience with investment funds, financial service providers, or lenders is preferred.
• Litigation background (particularly in debt recovery or insolvency) would be beneficial.
• Strong drafting skills and exceptional attention to detail are essential.
• Familiarity with compliance and company secretarial responsibilities is a plus.

About the job

• Contract Type: Perm
• Focus: Banking & Finance/Projects
• Workplace Type: Hybrid
• Experience Level: Associate
• Location: Johannesburg
• Specialism: Legal, Risk & Compliance
• Industry: Legal
• Salary: TBC

Job Reference: LP9CPF-7CF6C162

Date posted: 3 September 2025

Consultant: Angela Reilly

Source: johannesburg legal-risk-and-compliance/banking-and-finance-projects