Legal Counsel - Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary incentive

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Legal Counsel (Litigation) in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This hybrid role combines office work with remote contribution, focusing on managing a diverse caseload and representing the company's interests across forums.

The successful candidate will have admitted SA High Court status with extensive litigation experience, strong advocacy, and strategic problem-solving abilities to protect and advance the company’s position.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA with 6+ years post-qualification litigation experience.
• Extensive experience in complex commercial litigation and dispute resolution.
• Strong knowledge of SA civil procedure and evidence law.
• Proven negotiation and settlements experience.
• Excellent analytical and strategic problem-solving abilities.
• Hybrid-work experience and ability to work autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, appearances in court, and arbitrations.
• Develop legal strategies for resolving disputes effectively and efficiently.
• Conduct thorough legal research and prepare legal opinions on contentious matters.
• Represent the company in mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations.
• Advise business units on potential litigation risks and mitigation strategies.
• Liaise with external legal counsel, providing clear instructions and oversight.
• Ensure compliance with court rules, procedures, and deadlines.
• Analyze evidence, prepare witnesses, and present cases compellingly.
• Contribute to the development of the company's dispute resolution policies and procedures.

Skills

Litigation

Dispute Resolution

Advocacy

Negotiation

Legal Research

Stakeholder Management

Written & Oral Communication

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney - SA High Court

Tools

Legal research databases

Case management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished entity operating within the vibrant landscape of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking a skilled and tenacious Legal Counsel specializing in Litigation and Dispute Resolution. This critical role involves managing a diverse caseload of legal disputes, representing the company's interests vigorously in various forums, and striving for optimal resolutions. The position requires a strategic thinker with exceptional advocacy skills and a deep understanding of procedural law. This role operates on a Hybrid basis, allowing for a blend of focused office work in Stellenbosch and the flexibility of remote contribution. We are looking for an assertive and experienced legal professional dedicated to protecting and advancing the company's legal position.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, discovery, appearances in court (Magistrate's Court, High Court), and conducting arbitrations.
• Develop legal strategies for resolving disputes effectively and efficiently.
• Conduct thorough legal research and prepare legal opinions on contentious matters.
• Represent the company in mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations.
• Advise business units on potential litigation risks and strategies for mitigation.
• Liaise with external legal counsel, providing clear instructions and oversight.
• Ensure compliance with court rules, procedures, and deadlines.
• Analyze evidence, prepare witnesses, and present cases compellingly.
• Contribute to the development of the company's dispute resolution policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 6 years' post-qualification experience, with a significant portion dedicated to litigation.
• Proven experience in managing complex commercial litigation and dispute resolution processes.
• Extensive knowledge of South African civil procedure and evidence law.
• Strong advocacy and court appearance skills.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate settlements effectively.
• Proficiency in legal research and case management tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage demanding situations.
• Comfortable working within a Hybrid model, demonstrating self-discipline and collaboration.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance-based incentive structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.
• A dynamic and challenging legal environment within the Stellenbosch area.
• Exposure to a wide range of significant legal disputes.
• The flexibility of a Hybrid work arrangement.