Remote Legal Counsel - Cybersecurity & Data Privacy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Certifications in data privacy and CYB

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Legal Counsel specializing in cybersecurity and data privacy. You will advise on POPIA, GDPR, and other international regulations, develop privacy programs, and guide incident response and breach management for our global operations.

The role demands independent, strategic thinking at the intersection of law, technology, and risk. A SA-credentialed attorney with 5+ years of experience will thrive in this fully remote position, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• LLB degree required.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in SA or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years in data privacy, cybersecurity law and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of POPIA, GDPR and other global data protection frameworks.
• Experience in incident response and data breach management.
• Strong analytical, research and drafting skills.
• Excellent communication and ability to explain complex legal concepts to non‑lawyers.
• Ability to work independently on remote, complex projects.
• Experience in technology transactions and IP law is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on data privacy, protection laws (POPIA, GDPR, and international regulations).
• Develop and implement data privacy policies, procedures and compliance programs.
• Advise on cybersecurity best practices, incident response planning, and breach notification procedures.
• Review new products/services for privacy and security risks.
• Manage data subject access requests and regulatory inquiries.
• Liaise with data protection authorities and regulators as needed.
• Negotiate data processing agreements and technology-related contracts.
• Provide training to internal teams on privacy and cybersecurity compliance.
• Stay ahead of developments in cybersecurity and data privacy.

Skills

Data privacy

Cybersecurity law

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Drafting

Communication

Independent work

Remote work

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Job description

About the Role Our client, a cutting-edge global technology firm, is seeking a highly specialized Remote Legal Counsel to focus on Cybersecurity and Data Privacy. This pivotal role will be responsible for advising on complex legal issues related to data protection regulations (e.g., POPIA, GDPR), cybersecurity threats, and digital privacy across the organization's international operations. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing and implementing robust legal frameworks to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere, but requiring deep expertise in the evolving landscape of digital law. The role demands a proactive, strategic thinker adept at navigating the intersection of law, technology, and risk in the digital age.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on data privacy and protection laws, including POPIA, GDPR, and other relevant international regulations.
• Develop and implement comprehensive data privacy policies, procedures, and compliance programs.
• Advise on cybersecurity best practices, incident response planning, and breach notification procedures.
• Conduct legal reviews of new products and services to assess data privacy and security risks.
• Manage and respond to data subject access requests and regulatory inquiries.
• Liaise with data protection authorities and other regulatory bodies as needed.
• Assist in negotiating data processing agreements and other technology-related contracts.
• Provide training to internal teams on data privacy and cybersecurity compliance.
• Stay at the forefront of legal and technological developments in cybersecurity and data privacy.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is required.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, or equivalent international qualification.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with a strong focus on data privacy, cybersecurity law, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of POPIA, GDPR, and other international data protection frameworks.
• Experience in advising on cybersecurity incident response and data breach management.
• Excellent analytical, research, and drafting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage complex projects remotely.
• Experience in technology transactions and intellectual property law is advantageous.
• A proactive and detail-oriented approach to legal problem-solving.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans.
• The company is committed to employee well-being and provides generous paid time off.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and continuous learning opportunities, including certifications in data privacy and cybersecurity, are provided.
• This role offers unparalleled flexibility and the chance to shape legal strategy in a critical, fast-growing area of law from anywhere.