Legal Counsel

talentCru; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

talentCru is seeking a talented Legal Counsel to support a leading banking client. You will advise the Senior Litigation Manager and the broader Legal Department on debt recovery, insolvencies, and security documents, with a strong emphasis on commercial accuracy and compliance.

You will coordinate transitions of non-performing accounts, manage a panel of attorneys, supervise coordinators, and oversee litigation and court appearances to maximise recovery for the Bank.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 7+ years post-articles experience.
• Banking sector experience required.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.
• Solid knowledge of debtors' accounts and insolvencies.
• Familiar with security documents, notarial rights, and related acts.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate transition of non-performing accounts to the legal division.
• Manage litigation processes and coordinate with panel of attorneys.
• Provide legal advice on credit deals and security agreements.
• Draft and review contracts and amendments for Asset Finance and Business Banking.
• Oversee impairment and post-mortem reporting as required.
• Lead and upskill coordinators and support staff.
• Ensure timely recovery and cost containment in collections.

Skills

Legal drafting

Litigation management

Negotiation

Debt collection knowledge

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Law (LLB) or equivalent

Tools

Westlaw/LexisNexis

Job description

Legal Counsel to Support Our Banking Client

We are searching for a talented Legal Counsel to join our client in the exciting world of banking. You'll play a vital role by providing effective support to the Senior Litigation Manager and the broader Legal Department.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate transition of non-performing accounts to the legal division.
2. Understand different business structures within the Group and how to litigate accordingly.
3. Create and enhance the processes required for this purpose and have the ability to learn and work on numerous systems.
4. Manage handover and litigation processes.
5. Coordinate perfection of securities, including taking physical possession of assets and managing the disposal of assets.
6. Attend to trial preparation as well as appear in court in a representative capacity on behalf of the company.
7. Attend meetings with debtors and negotiate payment arrangements and settlements where required.
8. Active involvement in assisting and upskilling the collections department and business at large to ensure maximum effectiveness and outcomes.
9. Manage a panel of attorneys and provide necessary training and support.
10. Manage legal accounts on both a defended and undefended basis in conjunction with the relevant parties, ensuring maximum recovery to the Bank in the shortest possible timeframe.
11. Manage a team of coordinators, including other attorneys, and maximize productivity including up-skilling of the coordinators.
12. Monitor insolvencies, liquidations, sequestrations, business rescue, offers of compromise, curatorship, etc.
13. Submit claims, sign affidavits, monitor dividend payments, check liquidation and distribution accounts for possible undue preference or dispositions, call for advanced dividends, etc.
14. Monitor restructured accounts.
15. Explore, pursue and realize all avenues of recovery to maximize benefit to the Bank.
16. Manage and contain all internal and external costs associated with the collection of outstanding agreements.
17. Compile and assist in coordinating all impairment and other reports required, including monthly post-mortem reports, active charge-off reports, and ad hoc reports required by business and credit.
18. Recommend write-offs to the Credit Committee after all avenues of recovery have been exhausted.
19. Encourage team effectiveness by promoting open discussion and consensus.
20. Establish goals, standards, and procedures for team members.
21. Encourage initiative amongst team members.
22. Manage meetings for both litigious matters and new business when input is required.
23. Provide opinions and assist in legal drafting across the business.
24. Assist business units, including Asset Finance and Business Banking, in negotiating and amending deals and contracts and making special arrangements.
25. Manage expectations and prioritize needs.
26. Provide legal advice and input to credit department and business units.
27. Analyze and advise on large volumes of agreements emanating from the Asset Finance Division and ensure prompt turnaround times due to the nature of the business.

Profile

Admitted Attorney with 7 plus years of post-articles experience. Work experience in a Banking environment. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills. Excellent understanding of debtors’ accounts. Knowledge of the legal process, insolvencies, and all Acts surrounding the collection of debts including security documents, company law of cession, pledge, and notarial rights. Knowledge and understanding of magistrates and high court procedure. Knowledge and understanding of security agreements.