Legal Associate - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work environment

Relocation support

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, seeks a Legal Associate to bolster its Mergers & Acquisitions practice. You will assist senior lawyers through due diligence, document drafting, deal structuring, and closing of high-value transactions for startups to corporations.

The ideal candidate has an LLB with strong academics and 1–4 years of post-qualification experience in corporate/M&A law, with excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Completed LLB degree with a strong academic record.
• 1–4 years of post-qualification experience in corporate law or M&A.
• Solid understanding of corporate and contract law and M&A principles.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and MS Office.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in due diligence investigations for acquisitions and divestitures.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents (Sale of Business, Share Purchase Agreements, Disclosure Letters).
• Support structuring of M&A transactions and advise on legal implications.
• Coordinate with clients, target companies, and advisors throughout the transaction.
• Manage and organize transaction documentation and data rooms.
• Conduct legal research on corporate laws and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in post-closing integration matters and ensure compliance.
• Communicate progress with senior associates and partners.
• Contribute to business development and client relationships.

Skills

Analytical skills

Drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney of SA High Court

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prestigious corporate law firm situated in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**, is seeking a talented and ambitious Legal Associate to bolster their Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) practice. This role is critical for supporting senior lawyers in executing complex M&A transactions for a diverse clientele, ranging from startups to established corporations. You will be involved in all stages of the M&A lifecycle, including due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation, and closing. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundational knowledge of corporate and commercial law, exceptional analytical skills, and a meticulous attention to detail. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated lawyer to gain extensive experience in high-value transactions within a dynamic and supportive legal environment in **Nelspruit**. We are looking for an individual who is eager to learn, contribute to team success, and grow their career in corporate law within the **Mpumalanga** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting legal due diligence investigations for potential acquisitions and divestitures.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents, including Sale of Business Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, and Disclosure Letters.
• Support the structuring of M&A transactions and advise on legal implications.
• Coordinate with clients, target companies, and other advisors throughout the transaction process.
• Manage and organize transaction-related documentation and data rooms.
• Conduct legal research on relevant corporate laws and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in post-closing integration matters and ensure compliance.
• Communicate effectively with senior associates and partners regarding deal progress.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and client relationship management.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Completed LLB degree with a strong academic record.
• 1-4 years of post-qualification experience, with a focus on corporate law or M&A.
• Solid understanding of corporate law, contract law, and M&A principles.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Based in or willing to relocate to **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, including M&A training and conferences.
• A stimulating hybrid work environment fostering collaboration and flexibility.
• Exposure to significant and complex M&A transactions.
• Supportive and collegial team culture in **Nelspruit**.
• Contribution towards relevant professional memberships.
• A career path within a leading firm in **Mpumalanga**.