Legal Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Legal Counsel specializing in M&A to join their fully remote legal department. This full-time role requires deep expertise in corporate finance, transaction structuring, and cross-border deal-making, serving as the primary advisor for all M&A activities from inception to close.

You will lead negotiation and drafting of transaction documents, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with internal teams and external counsel in a global environment.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Extensive experience in M&A law, including deal management.
• Proven expertise in corporate finance, securities law, and governance.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fully remote, global environment.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills for complex agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead all M&A transactions: due diligence, negotiation, and drafting of agreements.
• Provide strategic legal advice on deal structuring, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external counsel, and other advisors to ensure smooth deal execution.
• Develop and refine M&A playbooks and standard documentation.
• Advise on post-acquisition integration and related legal matters.
• Monitor changes in M&A laws and regulations and advise on impact.
• Manage relationships with investment bankers, external legal counsel, and other deal facilitators.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the company's legal framework for corporate development activities.

Skills

M&A law

Negotiation

Drafting

Strategic thinking

Regulatory compliance

Remote collaboration

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a seasoned Legal Counsel specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) to join their entirely remote legal department. This is a critical, full-time position that requires a deep understanding of corporate finance, transaction structuring, and cross-border deal-making. You will be the primary legal advisor for all M&A activities, managing deals from inception through to successful closing. This role demands exceptional negotiation skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes globally. As a fully remote position, you'll leverage advanced communication tools to collaborate seamlessly with internal teams and external advisors, ensuring that all transactions are executed efficiently and in compliance with legal standards. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a legal professional to lead high-stakes transactions from the comfort of their home office, contributing directly to the strategic growth and expansion of a leading organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, including due diligence, negotiation, and drafting of transaction agreements (e.g., Share Purchase Agreements, Asset Purchase Agreements).
• Provide strategic legal advice on deal structuring, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with internal business teams, external counsel, and other advisors to ensure smooth deal execution.
• Develop and refine M&A playbooks and standard documentation.
• Advise on post-acquisition integration and related legal matters.
• Monitor changes in relevant M&A laws and regulations and advise on their impact.
• Manage relationships with investment bankers, external legal counsel, and other deal facilitators.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the company's legal framework for corporate development activities.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Extensive experience in M&A law, including significant transaction management and execution.
• Proven expertise in corporate finance, securities law, and corporate governance.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills for complex transaction documents.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, global environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively manage a remote workload.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Proficiency in managing due diligence processes and identifying key legal risks.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive compensation package, benchmarked against top-tier legal talent. As a fully remote position, you gain unparalleled flexibility and the ability to work from any location. Our client is committed to fostering professional growth, providing ample opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement. You will be a key player in shaping the company's strategic direction through impactful M&A activities, working with a world-class team. Enjoy a supportive virtual work environment that prioritizes work-life balance and employee well-being.