Legal Counsel - Technology & IP

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Annual bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, invites an experienced Legal Counsel specializing in Technology and Intellectual Property to join a cutting-edge technology firm. You will advise on software licensing, patent strategy, data privacy, and technology contracts, collaborating with R&D, product, and business teams to protect innovation.

The role demands a qualified SA attorney with 7+ years in technology/IP law, strong drafting skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years post-qualification experience in Technology and Intellectual Property law.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements.
• Strong understanding of patent, copyright, trademark, and data privacy laws.
• Experience working with technology companies or closely with tech teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on technology transactions, including software licensing, SaaS, and development contracts.
• Develop and execute IP strategy, including patent filing, trademark registration, and trade secret protection.
• Advise on data privacy and cybersecurity for compliance with POPIA and related regs.
• Draft, review, and negotiate vendor, partnership, and M&A-related technology contracts.
• Manage IP-related disputes and litigation; conduct due diligence for tech acquisitions and investments.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to guide legal aspects of product development.

Skills

Admitted attorney

7+ years tech/IP law

Drafting technology agreements

Data privacy knowledge

Strong communication & analysis

Hybrid work capability

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge technology firm, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Legal Counsel with expertise in Technology and Intellectual Property (IP) law. This role, based in Mahikeng, North West , offers a hybrid working arrangement, blending office collaboration with remote flexibility. You will be instrumental in advising the company on a wide array of legal matters, including software licensing, patent strategy, data privacy, and commercial contracts related to technology development and deployment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the technology landscape and the legal frameworks governing innovation. You will work closely with R&D, product management, and business development teams to protect the company's intellectual assets and facilitate strategic growth. Our client values innovation, technical acumen, and strategic legal thinking. We are looking for a proactive individual who can navigate complex legal challenges and contribute to the company's technological advancements. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to translate technical concepts into clear legal advice. Our client is committed to fostering a growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on technology transactions, including software licensing, SaaS agreements, and development contracts.
• Develop and execute IP strategy, including patent filing, trademark registration, and trade secret protection.
• Advise on data privacy and cybersecurity matters, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., POPIA).
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including vendor agreements, partnership agreements, and M&A-related contracts.
• Manage and resolve IP-related disputes and litigation.
• Conduct legal due diligence for technology acquisitions and investments.
• Ensure compliance with technology-specific regulations and industry standards.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to advise on legal aspects of product development.
• Stay abreast of legal developments in technology, IP, and data privacy.
• Support the business in navigating complex contractual relationships with partners and customers.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa (Right of Appearance).
• Minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience, with a specialization in Technology and Intellectual Property law.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements.
• Strong understanding of patent law, copyright law, trademark law, and data privacy regulations.
• Experience working in or closely with technology companies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal counsel.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.
• Passion for technology and innovation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and collaboration.
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of technology law.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Support for continuous professional development and advanced training.
• Exposure to innovative projects and cutting-edge technologies in Mahikeng, North West .
• A dynamic and stimulating work environment.
• Annual performance bonuses.