Manager - Office of the General Counsel

PwC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A major professional services firm is seeking a Manager for their Office of the General Counsel in Johannesburg. This role involves providing legal advice on contracts, managing legal risks during client dealings, and supporting internal teams. The ideal candidate should have an LLB, 3-5 years of PQE experience, and be an admitted attorney in South Africa. Candidates with professional services experience will be preferred, along with skills in critical thinking and communication. Minimal travel is required.

Qualifications

• 3 - 5 years’ PQE in commercial legal experience required.
• Admitted attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• Experience in professional services or consulting is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Understand commercial and contract law to provide legal advice.
• Draft and negotiate contracts with clients and suppliers.
• Provide legal support on internal projects.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Networking

Multitasking

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

Main Purpose

The position is for a Manager: Office of the General Counsel.

The role reports to the Associate Director responsible for Contracting, a key pillar within the PwC in-house legal team.

The role supports PwC’s client facing business and internal teams during contracting with clients and third parties and is expected to identify, help manage and mitigate contracting and legal risks to the firm by applying sound commercial principles, relevant laws and internal policies.

Primary Responsibilities for this Role

The role requires:

• solid and demonstrable understanding of commercial and contract law and the ability to apply such legal principles in commercially practical way when providing advice to PwC and its lines of service (Assurance, Tax, Deals and Consulting & Risk Services);
• the drafting and negotiating of agreements governing contractual relationships with, amongst others, clients, suppliers, other professional services firms and joint business relationships;
• reviewing and negotiating a variety of contracts, including non-disclosure; agreements, client services agreements, supplier and sponsorship agreements, licensing and technology related agreements;
• the ability to provide practical legal advice to PwC and its lines of service, including key interpretation of legislation, contracts and regulation, affecting lines of service (and its clients);
• knowledge of Data Protection legislation and Intellectual Property as it relates to professional services;
• Experience in reviewing and negotiating Software as a Services Agreements (SaaS) and understanding of SaaS arrangements – i.e. procuring and selling SaaS;
• conducting legal research and opinion writing;
• providing legal support on internal local or global projects;
• ability to identify items that may pose legal or reputation risk to PwC;

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent;
• 3 - 5 years’ PQE commercial legal experience;
• Admitted attorney or advocate (whether practicing or non-practicing) in South Africa;

Experience

Experience of working in a law firm, private legal practice, or as in-house corporate counsel.

Experience within the professional services / consulting industry is advantageous.

Competencies / Skills

• The ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently and practically;
• Ability to identify and articulate potential legal and/or regulatory concerns that impact the firm;
• Self-motivated and attention to detail;
• Curious and driven to find practical solutions to complex problems;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to interact with staff at various levels both locally and internationally;
• Strong networking qualities;
• Ability to multitask and prioritise;
• Analytical and solution driven;
• Pro‑active and committed to delivery;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Able to work independently and as part of a team;
• Professional services experience advantageous;
• Proven ability to manage a large variety of matters at the same time;
• Ability to multi task and prioritise;
• Minimal travel required.