Remote General Counsel

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an exceptional General Counsel to lead its legal function for a rapidly scaling multinational technology startup. This fully remote position requires guiding corporate governance, IP, contracts, compliance, and fundraising across global operations from your chosen location.

The ideal candidate will have extensive startup/scale-up experience, a proven GC track record, and strong cross-border expertise to navigate tech sector challenges while advising the executive team and

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with 10–15 years post-qualification experience in corporate law, M&A, IP, and contracts.
• Experience as General Counsel or senior legal leader in a startup or high-growth tech company.
• Strong cross-border and international business law expertise.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee global legal matters including corporate law, securities, IP, employment, and data privacy.
• Lead governance with board meetings, minutes, and regulatory filings.
• Negotiate complex commercial agreements, M&A, and partnerships.
• Develop robust compliance programs and internal policies.
• Advise executive team and board on legal risks and strategies.
• Manage external counsel relationships.
• Ensure compliance across jurisdictions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Admitted Attorney (High Court of South Africa)

Qualified in another relevant jurisdiction (e.g., NY, England & Wales)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly scaling multinational technology startup, is seeking an exceptional and seasoned General Counsel to lead their legal function. This is a fully remote position, offering the ultimate flexibility to work from anywhere. The General Counsel will be responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the company's global operations, including corporate governance, intellectual property, commercial contracts, compliance, and fundraising activities. This is a strategic leadership role that requires a broad range of legal expertise and the ability to provide pragmatic, business-oriented advice in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of building and managing legal departments, advising on complex international transactions, and navigating the unique legal challenges of the tech industry. You will be instrumental in shaping the company's legal strategy and ensuring robust compliance frameworks are in place as the company continues its ambitious growth trajectory, all from your chosen remote location. This position demands a highly adaptable and commercially astute legal professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all legal matters for the company globally, including corporate law, securities law, intellectual property, employment law, and data privacy.
• Manage corporate governance, including board meetings, minutes, and regulatory filings.
• Lead and negotiate complex commercial agreements, M&A transactions, and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and implement robust compliance programs and internal policies.
• Manage intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Oversee litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Advise the executive team and board of directors on legal risks and strategies.
• Manage relationships with external counsel and other legal service providers.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in jurisdictions where the company operates.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, or qualified in another relevant jurisdiction (e.g., New York, England & Wales), with a minimum of 10-15 years of post-qualification experience.
• Extensive experience in corporate law, M&A, intellectual property, and commercial contracts, preferably within the technology sector.
• Proven experience as a General Counsel or senior legal leader in a startup or high-growth company.
• Strong understanding of international business law and cross-border transactions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and provide practical, business-focused legal advice.
• Experience managing legal teams and external counsel effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage complex issues in a remote setting.

Benefits

This executive-level role offers a highly competitive salary, significant equity options, and comprehensive benefits. As a fully remote position, you have the freedom to work from anywhere, promoting an exceptional work-life balance. Our client invests in their people, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and exposure to cutting-edge legal challenges in the tech world. Join a visionary company and play a pivotal role in its global success. This opportunity is based in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA**, but is entirely remote.