Remote In-House Counsel - Commercial & Litigation

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Medical and provident fund benefits

Home office setup allowance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel to join a fully remote legal team based from Pretoria, Gauteng. The role requires strong expertise in commercial law and litigation, with the ability to provide strategic, business-focused legal advice while working independently in a remote environment.

The successful candidate will advise senior management on risks, draft and negotiate contracts, oversee external counsel, and ensure regulatory compliance across business units.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum 6 years post-admission experience.
• Strong focus on drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Experience managing litigation, in-house or at a firm.
• Solid understanding of corporate law and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements (service, supply, partnership).
• Advise on legal risks in commercial transactions and operations.
• Direct external counsel for litigation, arbitration, and ADR.
• Conduct legal research and provide opinions on diverse issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, governance, and regulations.
• Assist with internal policies and procedures development.
• Support corporate projects and initiatives with legal input.
• Manage relationships with clients, suppliers, and regulators.
• Prepare legal documentation for major business decisions.

Skills

Commercial law

Contract drafting

Litigation management

Corporate law

Regulatory compliance

Legal research

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced In-House Counsel to join their fully remote legal team, operating from Pretoria, Gauteng. This position is ideal for a legal professional with a robust background in both commercial law and litigation, who thrives in a fully remote, independent work environment. The In-House Counsel will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal support to the company's operations, managing a diverse range of commercial contracts, and overseeing litigation matters. The role demands a proactive approach, excellent strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex legal issues with minimal supervision. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking organization while enjoying the benefits of remote work. We are looking for a self-starter who is adept at navigating the South African legal landscape and can offer pragmatic, business-focused legal advice. The successful candidate will be a key advisor to senior management, contributing to the company's risk management and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial agreements, including but not limited to service, supply, and partnership agreements.
• Advise business units on legal risks associated with commercial transactions and operational activities.
• Manage and direct external counsel in relation to ongoing litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and provide opinions on a wide array of legal issues affecting the business.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including corporate governance and industry-specific requirements.
• Assist in the development and implementation of internal policies and procedures.
• Provide legal support for corporate projects and initiatives as they arise.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Prepare legal documentation and manage the legal aspects of significant business decisions.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 6 years of post-admission experience.
• Solid experience in commercial law, with a strong emphasis on contract drafting and negotiation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing litigation matters, either in-house or at a law firm.
• Excellent understanding of corporate law and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities effectively in a remote setting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in legal research and standard office software.
• A proactive and commercially minded approach to legal problem-solving.

Benefits

• Fully remote working environment, allowing for exceptional work-life balance.
• Competitive annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive medical and provident fund benefits.
• Allowance for home office setup and connectivity.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Engage with a challenging and rewarding portfolio of legal work.
• Be part of an innovative and forward-thinking company culture.