Remote Cybersecurity Legal Counsel

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary package

Comprehensive private health insurance

Remote work stipend for home office

Annual bonus opportunities

Cutting-edge legal and cybersecurity资源

Professional development and training

Flexible working hours in SA timezones

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly specialized Remote Cybersecurity Legal Counsel to join a forward‑looking legal team in South Africa. You will advise on data privacy, incident response, and technology law, shaping the legal framework for cutting‑edge tech in a remote‑first environment.

The role requires an admitted SA attorney with 7+ years in cybersecurity and data privacy, with POPIA and GDPR expertise, and the ability to translate complex issues for executives and technical teams.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with 7+ years in cybersecurity and data privacy law.
• Strong knowledge of POPIA and GDPR.
• Experience drafting technology contracts and data processing agreements.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on cybersecurity matters, including incident response.
• Develop and review cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws and cybersecurity regulations.
• Advise on legal implications of cloud computing, AI, and emerging tech.
• Conduct legal risk assessments related to cybersecurity threats.
• Draft and negotiate SaaS agreements and data processing agreements.
• Collaborate with IT, security, and compliance teams on security measures.
• Represent the company in legal and regulatory cybersecurity matters.
• Stay current with evolving cyber threats and best practices.
• Provide training on cybersecurity legal obligations to employees.

Skills

Cybersecurity & data privacy expertise

Remote work autonomy

Excellent communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Tools

POPIA knowledge

GDPR knowledge

Contract drafting

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology innovator, is seeking a highly specialized Remote Cybersecurity Legal Counsel to join their expanding legal team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute from anywhere within South Africa. You will be at the forefront of navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity, and technology law. This role requires a proactive individual with a deep understanding of emerging cyber threats, relevant regulations (such as POPIA and GDPR), and incident response. You will provide strategic legal advice to protect the company's digital assets, ensure compliance, and manage legal risks associated with technology operations. The ideal candidate will be adept at translating complex technical and legal issues into clear, actionable guidance for various stakeholders, including executive leadership and technical teams. This is a unique opportunity to shape the legal framework for cutting-edge technology in a dynamic, remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on cybersecurity matters, including data breach response, incident management, and threat mitigation.
• Develop and review cybersecurity policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws (e.g., POPIA, GDPR) and cybersecurity regulations.
• Advise on the legal implications of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
• Conduct legal risk assessments related to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats.
• Assist in the drafting and negotiation of technology-related contracts, including SaaS agreements and data processing agreements.
• Collaborate with internal IT, security, and compliance teams to implement robust security measures.
• Represent the company in legal and regulatory matters related to cybersecurity and data privacy.
• Stay current with evolving cybersecurity threats, legal standards, and best practices.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on cybersecurity legal obligations.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 7 years of legal experience, with a significant focus on cybersecurity and data privacy law.
• Demonstrated expertise in South African data protection laws (POPIA) and international equivalents (GDPR).
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, threat landscapes, and incident response protocols.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work autonomously in a remote setting and manage multiple complex projects.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical and legal concepts clearly.
• Proven experience advising senior management on legal and risk matters.
• Professional certifications in cybersecurity or data privacy are a plus.
• Comfortable working with remote collaboration tools and technologies.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive private health insurance.
• Generous remote work stipend for home office setup.
• Annual bonus opportunities based on performance.
• Access to cutting-edge legal and cybersecurity resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
• Flexible working hours within South African time zones.
• Direct impact on the company's security posture and legal strategy.
• Collaborative virtual team environment.
• Retirement savings plan.