Legal Counsel

Fempower; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African company is seeking a strategic leader to manage and protect its IP portfolio. Responsibilities include developing legal strategies, overseeing contracts, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in Intellectual Property law, with at least 8 years of experience. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential. This role requires a proactive approach to legal developments and effective management of the legal department.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Patent and Design Law, and general Intellectual Property law.
• Knowledge of litigation processes.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Guide IP development in technical projects to safeguard the IP portfolio.
• Manage the IP portfolio from identification to end of lifecycle.
• Develop and implement the IP strategy.
• Conduct regular audits of the contracts portfolio.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent

Engineering qualification (Electronics / Electrical)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams)

Legal research databases

Job description

Purpose of the job

To provide strategic leadership in managing and protecting IP Portfolio. To oversee and enhance the contracts portfolio, ensuring all agreements are aligned with the company’s goals, to develop and implement comprehensive legal strategies across all areas of the business; and to ensure regulatory compliance by monitoring legal developments and guiding the company accordingly.

Required outputs : Functional

• Guide IP development in technical projects to ensure the company's intellectual property aligns with strategic goals and is well-protected throughout its lifecycle.
• Manage the company's IP portfolio, from identification to the end of the lifecycle, ensuring that all IP assets are properly registered, maintained, and enforced.
• Develop and implement the IP strategy, including the use of marketing instruments such as trademarks to protect and promote the company's brand.
• Formulate and execute efficient offence and defence legal strategies to safeguard the company's interests.
• Responsible for the effective management of legal department.
• Develop, implement, and review all company policies to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and laws.
• Monitor the ever-changing legal landscape, proactively implementing measures to ensure the company remains compliant with new regulations.
• Conduct regular audits of the entire contracts portfolio to ensure compliance with legal and company standards.
• Draft, review, and approve contracts to ensure they are legally sound and align with the company’s strategic goals.

Qualifications and expertise required (Must)

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent
• At least 8 years of experience in Patent and Design Law, and general Intellectual Property law, contract law , and regulatory compliance
• Engineering qualification (Electronics / Electrical) would be advantageous
• Knowledge of litigation processes
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks
• Resilience under pressure and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Superior communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• A strong commercial acumen and understanding of the business environment
• Proficiency in using legal and business tools such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and legal research databases