Remote Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial Transactions

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health benefits

Generous vacation

Professional growth

Cutting-edge technology

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to support our client's global technology operations from a fully remote position in South Africa. The ideal candidate will lead complex commercial agreements, advise on legal risks, and guide IP, data privacy, and cybersecurity matters across multiple jurisdictions.

You will collaborate with sales, product, engineering and finance teams, manage external counsel, and contribute to standardized templates and playbooks to improve efficiency in a

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission to practice law in South Africa (or equivalent jurisdiction).
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive legal experience, with focus on commercial transactions and technology law.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide array of commercial contracts including SaaS, SLAs, vendor and partnership agreements.
• Advise business teams on legal risks and opportunities for commercial initiatives and new product launches.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws in jurisdictions where the company operates.
• Manage intellectual property portfolio including trademark and patent filings and enforcement strategies.
• Support cross-functional teams on data privacy and cybersecurity, ensuring adherence to POPIA and GDPR.
• Conduct legal research and provide clear opinions on complex issues.
• Develop and implement standardized legal templates and playbooks.
• Collaborate with sales, product, engineering and finance teams; manage external counsel.
• Contribute to improving legal processes and efficiency in a remote setting.

Skills

Legal negotiations

Contract drafting

Regulatory compliance

Data privacy

IP law

Communication

Remote collaboration

Analytical skills

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding global technology firm, is seeking to onboard a highly motivated and accomplished Senior Legal Counsel with extensive experience in commercial transactions. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility to talented legal professionals across South Africa. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in supporting our client's international business operations by providing expert legal guidance on complex commercial agreements, strategic partnerships, and intellectual property matters. You will be an integral part of a forward-thinking legal department, contributing to the company's continuous growth and innovation on a global scale. This role demands a proactive approach, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to navigate diverse legal jurisdictions with confidence. We are looking for a self-starter who thrives in an autonomous, remote-first environment and possesses a keen business sense.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide array of commercial contracts, including SaaS agreements, service level agreements (SLAs), vendor contracts, and partnership agreements.
• Advise business teams on legal risks and opportunities associated with commercial initiatives and new product launches.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in various jurisdictions where the company operates.
• Manage intellectual property portfolio, including trademark and patent filings and enforcement strategies.
• Support cross-functional teams on data privacy and cybersecurity matters, ensuring adherence to GDPR, POPIA, and other relevant regulations.
• Conduct legal research and provide clear, concise legal opinions on complex legal issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of standardized legal templates and playbooks.
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including sales, product, engineering, and finance teams.
• Manage external legal counsel and service providers as needed.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes and operational efficiency within a remote setting.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission to practice law in South Africa (or equivalent jurisdiction).
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive legal experience, with a significant focus on commercial transactions and technology law.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex technology-related agreements.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property law, data privacy (POPIA, GDPR), and cybersecurity regulations.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, global environment, preferably within the technology sector.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively advise stakeholders remotely.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage a demanding workload, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and remote collaboration tools is highly desirable.
• A proactive and business-oriented mindset, with a commitment to delivering practical legal solutions.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa.
• Our client provides comprehensive health benefits, a generous vacation policy, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
• You will be part of an innovative and supportive team culture that values collaboration and individual contribution, despite the remote nature of the work.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources is standard.
• This role is specifically designed for individuals seeking autonomy and the ability to integrate work seamlessly into their lifestyle.
• We empower our remote employees with the tools and trust they need to excel.
• Join a company that is at the forefront of technological advancement and legal innovation, all from the comfort of your home office.