Legal Officer - Commercial Litigation

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 840,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Extensive experience in commercial lit

Dynamic legal landscape

Key legal team support

Urban Gauteng setting

Professional resources

Direct impact on resolutions

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Legal Officer with a strong commercial litigation background to join our client’s team in Soweto, Gauteng. The role requires full-time, on-site presence to manage a portfolio of disputes and guide litigation strategy in collaboration with internal and external lawyers.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years post-qualification experience, excels in drafting, research, and oral advocacy, and is well-versed in South African civil procedure and commercial law.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney or advocate with at least 4 years of post-qualification experience in commercial litigation.
• Proven track record handling a variety of commercial disputes.
• Strong knowledge of South African civil procedure and commercial law.
• Excellent drafting, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and meet deadlines.
• Willing to work full-time on-site in Soweto, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct commercial litigation from initiation to resolution.
• Draft pleadings, applications, affidavits, and other court documents.
• Represent the company in magistrate's courts and high courts.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on litigation-related issues.
• Advise business units on litigation risks and strategies.
• Negotiate settlements and explore ADR mechanisms.
• Liaise with external counsel, experts, and witnesses.
• Manage litigation budgets and costs effectively.
• Ensure compliance with court rules and procedures.
• Maintain accurate case files and litigation records.

Skills

Drafting

Litigation advocacy

Legal research

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Admitted attorney or advocate (SA)

Tools

Case management software

Legal research databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the commercial sector, is seeking a dedicated Legal Officer with a strong background in commercial litigation to join their team. This role will be based in Soweto, Gauteng, and will involve managing a portfolio of commercial disputes, advising on litigation strategy, and ensuring efficient resolution of legal matters. The ideal candidate will possess excellent legal acumen, strong advocacy skills, and a keen understanding of South African commercial law. This position requires full-time, on-site presence at our client's offices in Soweto, Gauteng, enabling direct involvement in legal proceedings and close collaboration with the internal legal team and external counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct commercial litigation matters from initiation to resolution.
• Draft pleadings, applications, affidavits, and other court documents.
• Represent the company in various legal proceedings, including magistrate's courts and high courts.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions on litigation-related issues.
• Advise business units on potential litigation risks and strategies.
• Negotiate settlements and explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Liaise with external counsel, experts, and witnesses.
• Manage litigation budgets and costs effectively.
• Ensure compliance with court rules and procedures.
• Maintain accurate case files and litigation records.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate with a minimum of 4 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant focus on commercial litigation.
• Proven track record in handling a variety of commercial disputes.
• Strong understanding of South African civil procedure and commercial law.
• Excellent drafting, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload efficiently and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in legal research and case management software.
• Must be willing to work full-time from our offices in Soweto, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration for the contract duration.
• Opportunity to gain extensive experience in commercial litigation.
• Work within a dynamic and evolving legal landscape.
• Be part of a key legal team supporting business operations.
• Gain valuable experience in a significant urban center within Gauteng.
• Exposure to a diverse range of commercial disputes.
• Professional environment with access to necessary resources.
• Contribute directly to the resolution of legal challenges.