Legal Counsel

Swiss Re; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global reinsurance company is seeking a Legal Counsel in Cape Town. In this role, you will serve as a trusted legal partner, manage legal aspects of reinsurance initiatives, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate should be a fully qualified lawyer with at least five years of experience, particularly in the (re)insurance industry. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits in a diverse, inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Performance-based annual bonus

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years post-qualification experience in law.
• Experience in (re)insurance law and regulations.
• Understanding of regulatory topics in cross-border scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents.
• Provide advice on local regulatory and legal matters.
• Manage legal components of projects within the EMEA region.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and legal reports.

Skills

Excellent drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Influencing skills

Strong communication

Fluency in English

Education

Fully qualified lawyer (bar exam) in South Africa

Job description

About The Role

As Legal Counsel in our P&C & L&H Reinsurance Advisory EMEA team, you will be a trusted legal partner to our business units across the region, with a primary focus on South Africa.

You will enable successful completion of reinsurance business initiatives while ensuring proper governance and compliance with both external and internal requirements.

Your adaptability will be key as you navigate various legal systems and cultures across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents.
• Provide expert advice on local regulatory and general legal matters including operations advisory, corporate governance, and employment law support.
• Support legal aspects of compliance matters such as data protection and market conduct.
• Manage legal components of projects and strategic initiatives within the EMEA region.
• Develop and improve templates, policies, and processes to enhance efficiency.
• Monitor and report on developments and trends in laws and regulations.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, legal reports, and training.
• Coordinate and optimize engagement with outside legal counsel.

About The Team

This role reports to the Head of Legal P&C & L&H Reinsurance EMEA.

You will join a global team of passionate and business-oriented legal advisors operating in a culturally diverse environment.

The team is committed to providing exceptional legal guidance while supporting the organization's strategic objectives in the reinsurance sector.

About You

You are a strong communicator with a "can do" mindset who thrives when working independently and managing multiple requests with competing deadlines.

As a dedicated and trusted business partner, you excel at building relationships and communicating complex legal and compliance concepts clearly and succinctly.

You are comfortable sharing your thought process openly and welcome constructive challenge.

Requirements

• Fully qualified lawyer (bar exam) in South Africa (preferred) or an equivalent jurisdiction.
• Minimum of five years post-qualification experience, preferably in a law firm or in-house in the (re)insurance industry.
• Experience in (re)insurance law and regulations.
• Understanding of regulatory and licensing topics in cross-border scenarios.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Nice-to-have Qualifications

• Experience working in a global organization.
• Knowledge of multiple legal systems.
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English.
• Experience with digital tools and legal tech solutions.
• Background in project management.

Salary and Benefits

For South Africa, the base salary range for this position is between R1,, and R1,, for a full-time role.

Depending on how closely you meet or exceed the requirements, the offered salary may fall below or above the advertised range.

In addition to base salary, you may be eligible for additional rewards and benefits, including a performance-based annual bonus.

Employment Equity

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates.

Company Overview

Swiss Re is one of the world's leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient.

We anticipate and manage a wide variety of risks, from natural catastrophes and climate change to cybercrime.

Combining experience with creative thinking and cutting‑edge expertise, we create new opportunities and solutions for our clients.

We are committed to building an inclusive culture encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.

We embrace a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and their passion for sustainability.

If you are an experienced professional returning to the workforce after a career break, we encourage you to apply for open positions that match your skills and experience.

Application Process

We provide feedback to all candidates via email.

If you have not heard back from us, please check your spam folder.