Remote Legal Counsel - Technology & IP

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with company matching

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Global exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Remote Legal Counsel with Technology Law and Intellectual Property expertise to support our client's global tech initiatives. The role is fully remote anywhere in South Africa, with focus on IP portfolio management, licensing, and technology agreements.

You will collaborate with engineering and product teams, navigate data privacy and cybersecurity laws, and provide strategic legal guidance on commercialization and risk management for cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent.
• Admission as SA Attorney or Advocate desirable.
• 5+ years in technology law and IP.
• IP expertise: patents, trademarks, copyrights.
• Experience drafting/negotiating technology contracts.
• Familiarity with data privacy and cybersecurity laws.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setup.

Responsibilities

• Manage and protect IP assets (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets).
• Draft, review and negotiate technology contracts and licensing agreements.
• Advise on IP strategy and portfolio management.
• Provide counsel on data governance and cybersecurity issues.
• Support commercialization of technology products/services.
• Conduct legal research on technology law and IP matters.
• Collaborate with engineering/product/business teams to manage risks.
• Ensure compliance with tech regulations and IP laws across jurisdictions.

Skills

IP law

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Data privacy

Cybersecurity

Remote work

Analytical skills

Education

LLB degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding technology firm at the forefront of innovation, is seeking a seasoned Remote Legal Counsel with expertise in Technology Law and Intellectual Property (IP). This position is entirely remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, with a preference for candidates familiar with the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region. The role involves providing comprehensive legal support for the company's technology development, commercialisation, and IP protection strategies. You will be instrumental in managing IP portfolios, negotiating technology-related agreements, and advising on legal issues arising from cutting-edge technologies. This is a unique opportunity to be a key legal advisor in a forward-thinking, globally connected tech company, operating entirely remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and protect the company's intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of technology-related agreements, such as software licenses, SaaS agreements, development agreements, and IP assignment agreements.
• Advise on IP strategy, portfolio management, and potential IP disputes.
• Provide legal counsel on emerging technologies, data governance, and cybersecurity issues.
• Support the commercialisation of technology products and services.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on technology law and IP matters.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and business development teams to identify and mitigate legal risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant technology regulations and IP laws across different jurisdictions, supporting remote operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in technology law and intellectual property, gained in-house or at a reputable law firm.
• Proven expertise in IP law, including patent, trademark, and copyright matters.
• Strong experience in drafting and negotiating technology contracts and licensing agreements.
• Familiarity with data privacy and cybersecurity laws.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage complex projects, and thrive in a remote work environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflective of expertise and remote status.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote role.
• Exposure to innovative technologies and a dynamic global market.