Remote Legal Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Medical & retirement benefits

Career development opportunities

Exposure to cross-border deals

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an accomplished Legal Counsel specializing in M&A to join a fully remote team, advising on complex transactions from inception through closing. You will lead due diligence, drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, and coordinate with external counsel across jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in M&A, SA admission, and strong corporate finance and governance knowledge. This role offers remote flexibility and exposure to high-stakes deals.

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent degree required.
• Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa or equivalent required.
• 8+ years of M&A experience in a top-tier firm or in-house team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation of purchase agreements.
• Draft, review, and finalize M&A documentation (share and asset purchase agreements, merger agreements).
• Advise senior management on legal risks and opportunities in acquisitions/divestitures.
• Oversee regulatory filings and approvals for transactions.
• Manage relationships with external counsel, investment bankers, and other advisors.
• Ensure compliance with securities laws and corporate governance requirements.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on target companies.
• Provide post-transaction integration support from a legal perspective.

Skills

M&A

Legal due diligence

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Corporate governance

Negotiation

Education

LLB or equivalent

Admission as Attorney (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished and seasoned Legal Counsel specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) to join their fully remote legal team. This critical role involves providing expert legal guidance on a wide spectrum of M&A transactions, from inception through to closing. You will be responsible for managing the legal aspects of deals, including due diligence, contract negotiation, and regulatory approvals, across various jurisdictions. This position is perfectly suited for a self-driven legal professional who excels in a remote work setting and has a proven track record in navigating the complexities of corporate transactions. You will play a vital part in shaping our client's strategic growth and expansion initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation of purchase agreements.
• Draft, review, and finalize M&A related documentation, such as share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, and merger agreements.
• Advise senior management and business teams on legal risks and opportunities associated with potential acquisitions and divestitures.
• Oversee regulatory filings and approvals required for transactions.
• Manage relationships with external counsel, investment bankers, and other advisors involved in M&A activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant securities laws and corporate governance requirements.
• Conduct thorough legal due diligence on target companies.
• Provide post-transaction integration support from a legal perspective.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.
• Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa or equivalent.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant M&A legal experience, preferably gained at a reputable law firm or in-house at a dynamic corporation.
• Extensive experience in drafting and negotiating complex M&A transaction documents.
• Deep understanding of corporate finance, securities law, and corporate governance.
• Proven ability to manage multiple, high-stakes transactions simultaneously.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of projects.

Benefits

• Fully remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Exposure to impactful and strategic M&A deals.
• A collaborative and supportive virtual team culture.