Legal Counsel

Boardroom Appointments; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious recruitment firm in Johannesburg is seeking a highly skilled Legal Counsel to oversee and protect the organisation's intellectual property and contracts portfolio. The ideal candidate will need a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a minimum of 8 years' experience in relevant legal fields. Responsibilities include managing IP assets, drafting contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role offers an opportunity to drive legal strategies in a technology-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Patent and Design Law, Intellectual Property Law, Contract Law, and Regulatory Compliance.
• Experience in managing complex IP portfolios and drafting technology-related agreements.
• Knowledge of litigation processes and dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of the organisation's IP portfolio.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts aligned with business goals.
• Guide teams on IP protections during project development.

Skills

Strategic and analytical thinker

Strong interpersonal and communication abilities

Exceptional drafting and reporting skills

Commercially astute with attention to detail

Excellent organizational and time management

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research platforms

Job description

Position: Legal Counsel (Intellectual Property & Contracts)

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Legal Counsel to oversee and protect the organisation's intellectual property (IP) and contracts portfolio. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping legal frameworks, guiding IP development within technical projects, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and safeguarding the company's commercial interests through sound legal strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and management of the organisation's Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, ensuring assets are effectively registered, maintained, and protected.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive IP and trademarks strategy aligned to business goals.
• Provide strategic legal guidance on contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, ensuring they are legally sound and commercially aligned.
• Conduct regular contract audits to ensure compliance with legal and organisational standards.
• Advise technical and business teams on IP protection during project development and implementation.
• Stay abreast of changes in legal frameworks and ensure proactive compliance across the business.
• Develop, implement, and review corporate policies to align with legal and industry standards.
• Support and manage litigation, offence, and defence strategies to safeguard business interests.
• Lead and manage the legal department, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with corporate strategy

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent qualification (mandatory).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Patent and Design Law, Intellectual Property Law, Contract Law, and Regulatory Compliance.
• Experience in managing complex IP portfolios and drafting technology-related agreements.
• Knowledge of litigation processes and dispute resolution.
• Engineering qualification (Electronics or Electrical) would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of the legal frameworks impacting technology-driven industries.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to translate legal risk into business impact.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Exceptional drafting, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Commercially astute with a high attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational and time management capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research platforms.
• Innovative, solutions-driven, and results-oriented professional who thrives under pressure.

If you are a forward-thinking legal professional passionate about technology, innovation, and protecting intellectual capital, this opportunity is for you.

Should you not be contacted within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.