Remote Legal Counsel - Contracts & IP

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Remote Legal Counsel in South Africa to manage contracts and IP strategy. The role offers autonomy and the chance to influence the company’s legal approach across SaaS, licensing, and partnerships.

Ideal candidate has 6+ years post-qualification experience in contracts and IP, with strong drafting, negotiation, and risk mitigation skills, plus the ability to work remotely with reliable connectivity.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• 6+ years post-qualification experience in commercial contracts and IP.
• Experience managing IP portfolios and advising on IP strategy.
• Strong contract lifecycle management and risk mitigation.
• Excellent negotiation and drafting skills.
• Ability to work autonomously in a remote environment.
• Reliable internet connection and dedicated home office setup.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts including SaaS, licensing, and partnerships.
• Advise on IP strategy including trademark, patent, and copyright protection.
• Manage the company’s IP portfolio including registrations and renewals.
• Conduct IP due diligence for acquisitions or collaborations.
• Develop and implement IP policies and procedures.
• Provide legal guidance on data privacy related to contracts and IP.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and sales to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks.
• Oversee IP-related litigation and dispute resolution.
• Stay current with evolving contract law and IP landscapes globally.

Skills

Contract drafting

Contract negotiation

IP strategy

IP portfolio management

Data privacy

Remote work

Stakeholder communication

Risk mitigation

IP due diligence

Education

Admitted Attorney/Advocate (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Remote Legal Counsel with expertise in both Contracts and Intellectual Property (IP) law to join their legal department. This is a critical, fully remote position serving a growing business. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a broad spectrum of contractual agreements and safeguarding the company's intellectual property assets. This role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, providing significant autonomy and the chance to make a substantial impact on our client's legal strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, and partnership contracts.
• Advise on IP strategy, including trademark, patent, and copyright protection and enforcement.
• Manage the company's IP portfolio, including registrations and renewals.
• Conduct IP due diligence for potential acquisitions or collaborations.
• Develop and implement IP policies and procedures.
• Provide legal guidance on data privacy and protection matters related to contracts and IP.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and sales teams to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks.
• Oversee IP-related litigation and dispute resolution.
• Stay current with evolving legal landscapes in contract law and IP globally.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience, with substantial experience in both commercial contracts and intellectual property law.
• Demonstrated experience in managing IP portfolios and advising on IP strategy.
• Strong understanding of contract lifecycle management and risk mitigation.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple complex matters effectively in a remote environment.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office setup.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflective of expertise and experience.
• Fully remote work structure, providing unparalleled flexibility.
• Opportunity to shape legal strategy in critical areas of contracts and IP.
• Professional development and continuous learning support.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Be part of a forward-thinking legal team contributing to innovation.