Litigation Associate

Vanderspuy Cape Town; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent legal firm in Cape Town is seeking an Associate to join their Litigation Team. The ideal candidate is a motivated attorney with 3-5 years of post-admission experience, strong in legal research and drafting, and adept in client communication. This role offers exposure to high-quality litigation and advisory work in a collaborative environment committed to excellence.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney to the High Court of South Africa.
• 3-5 years post-admission experience in a law firm environment.
• Exposure to litigation and advisory work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents.
• Maintain accurate client and case files.
• Attend court hearings and client meetings.
• Participate in training programs and seek mentorship.

Skills

Legal Research

Analytical Ability

Drafting Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

LLB degree

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate to join our Litigation Team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented attorney to develop their litigation and advisory expertise within a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Research, Drafting & Case Preparation
   Conduct consultations, legal research, analyse case law, legislation, and regulations.
   Draft legal opinions, memoranda, pleadings, contracts, affidavits, and correspondence.
   Support litigation and advisory matters through document management.
   Attend court hearings, arbitrations, and client meetings.
2. Client Service & Communication
   Draft client updates and progress reports.
   Participate in client meetings and ensure professional, consistent communication.
   Develop a sound understanding of client industries to anticipate risks and provide practical input.
3. Practice & Matter Management
   Maintain accurate, up-to-date client and case files with proper document control.
   Record billable time accurately and assist with invoicing processes.
   Ensure compliance with firm policies, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
4. Professional Development
   Participate in internal and external training programmes.
   Seek mentorship and feedback to enhance technical and client-handling skills.
   Demonstrate continuous professional growth and readiness for increased responsibility.
5. Contribution & Collaboration
   Share knowledge and contribute to internal precedents and databases.
   Collaborate effectively within the team and across practice areas.
   Support firm initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Quality of Work : Produces accurate, well-reasoned, and thorough outputs.
• Resilience & Adaptability : Handles workload pressure with professionalism and initiative.
• Interpersonal Skills : Builds strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Time Management : Balances competing deadlines effectively.

Minimum Requirements

• Education : LLB degree (minimum requirement).
• Admission : Admitted Attorney.
• Skills : Strong research, analytical, and drafting ability; excellent written and verbal communication; meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience : 3-5 years post-admission experience in a law firm environment.
• Exposure : Litigation and advisory work.
• Professional Registration : Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.

Why Join VanderSpuy Cape Town

Work alongside leading legal professionals on diverse and challenging matters.
Gain exposure to high-quality litigation and advisory work.
Develop your legal career in a collaborative environment committed to professional excellence.