Remote Lead Legal Counsel

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Remote Lead Legal Counsel to steer the company’s legal operations from anywhere in South Africa. You will guide the legal strategy, oversee corporate matters, and mentor junior lawyers in a remote-first environment.

You will advise the executive team and board, manage high‑value negotiations, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while coordinating external counsel and budget considerations.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 12+ years of progressive legal experience.
• Experience leading corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
• Ability to provide strategic guidance to executive leadership.
• Strong leadership, communication, and remote management skills.
• Experience managing external resources and legal budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's legal strategy aligned with business goals.
• Oversee corporate matters, M&A, compliance, and risk management.
• Provide senior legal advice to the executive team and board.
• Lead negotiations and contract reviews for high‑value deals.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and governance practices.
• Manage external counsel and supervise remote junior staff.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Remote work

Education

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly experienced and strategic Remote Lead Legal Counsel to spearhead their legal operations from anywhere in South Africa . This is a leadership position within a fully remote setup, responsible for overseeing a broad range of legal activities and guiding the legal strategy of the company. You will manage complex legal issues, provide senior-level advice, and potentially mentor junior legal professionals. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal expert who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and drive legal excellence in a remote-first environment, significantly contributing to the company's sustained success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's legal strategy in alignment with business goals.


• Oversee and manage all significant corporate legal matters, including M&A, compliance, and risk management.


• Provide expert legal advice and counsel to the executive team and board of directors.


• Lead complex negotiations and contract reviews for high-value deals.


• Ensure the company adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.


• Manage external legal resources and potentially supervise junior legal staff remotely.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with 12+ years of progressive legal experience, including significant leadership roles.


• Proven expertise in corporate law, commercial transactions, and regulatory compliance.


• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal guidance at the highest levels.


• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to manage complex projects and teams effectively in a remote setting.


• Strong understanding of risk management and corporate governance principles.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package and significant bonus opportunities.


• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.


• Generous budget for professional development and continuing education.


• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote role with potential for travel.


• Opportunity to shape the legal direction of a growing organization from anywhere in South Africa.