Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts & IP

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24, a technology solutions provider in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a versatile Legal Counsel to manage commercial contracts and IP portfolios. You will draft, review, and negotiate software licenses, SaaS agreements, and NDAs, and advise on IP strategy and data privacy (POPIA).

You will collaborate with R&D, sales, marketing, and operations to enable business growth while mitigating risk. The role offers a dynamic, office-based environment in Sandton with opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• LLB from a reputable university.
• Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• 5-7 years post-admission experience in commercial contracts and IP.
• Experience drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements.
• Solid IP knowledge: patent, trademark, copyright.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations (POPIA).

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements including software licenses, SaaS agreements, service agreements, and NDAs.
• Advise on intellectual property matters including patent, trademark, and copyright registration, protection, and enforcement.
• Manage the company's IP portfolio and develop IP strategies.
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws (e.g., POPIA) in contracts and operations.
• Provide legal support for product development and technology-related initiatives.
• Conduct legal research and provide timely advice on various commercial and IP issues.
• Assist in managing and resolving legal disputes related to contracts and IP.
• Liaise with external counsel for specialized IP or litigation matters.
• Stay updated on relevant legal developments in technology, data privacy, and IP law.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

IP law

Data privacy

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology solutions provider based in the bustling business hub of Sandton , Gauteng, is seeking a versatile and experienced Legal Counsel to manage their commercial contracts and intellectual property portfolios. This role is critical in supporting the company's innovation and business growth by ensuring robust legal frameworks for contracts and intellectual property. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements, as well as advising on IP strategy, protection, and enforcement. You will collaborate closely with R&D, sales, marketing, and operations teams to facilitate business objectives while mitigating legal risks. This position offers a dynamic environment for a legal professional passionate about technology law. The role is office-based in Sandton , providing a collaborative and professional setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including software licenses, SaaS agreements, service agreements, and NDAs.
• Advise on intellectual property matters, including patent, trademark, and copyright registration, protection, and enforcement.
• Manage the company's IP portfolio and develop IP strategies to support business goals.
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws (e.g., POPIA) in contracts and operations.
• Provide legal support for product development and technology-related initiatives.
• Conduct legal research and provide timely advice on various commercial and IP issues.
• Assist in managing and resolving legal disputes related to contracts and IP.
• Liaise with external counsel for specialized IP or litigation matters.
• Stay updated on relevant legal developments in technology, data privacy, and IP law.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a reputable university.
• Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of post-admission experience, with significant exposure to commercial contracts and intellectual property law.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements.
• Solid understanding of IP law, including patent, trademark, and copyright.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations is essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Experience in the technology sector is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning.
• Dynamic and innovative work environment in Sandton .
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.
• Pension fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave.