Overview
A law firm based in the Randburg area is seeking a Senior Associate to join their busy team.
Why Join Our Client:
This is not a “seat-filler” role. They are looking for a senior, commercially minded attorney who wants real autonomy, influence, and financial upside.
You’ll operate as a trusted legal lead with:
- High levels of independence and authority
- Direct client ownership and strategic control
- Exposure to complex, high-value matters
- Clear earning upside through commission / profit-sharing
- Flexible work arrangements that respect performance, not presentism.
- A growing firm environment where senior lawyers shape systems, strategy, and standards
If you’re frustrated by micro-management, limited growth, or capped earning potential — this role is designed for you.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Competitive market-related salary
- Commission / Profit-Sharing Structure
- Flexible work arrangement (hybrid)
- Travel reimbursement
- Company-issued cellphone
- High-trust, performance-driven culture
Role Overview
This is a senior, stand-alone legal role requiring the successful candidate to independently manage matters end-to-end with minimal to no supervision.
You will take full responsibility for:
- Legal strategy
- Drafting and pleadings
- Client engagement
- Court appearances
- Matter progression and resolution
The role suits a confident attorney who thrives under pressure, manages multiple matters simultaneously, and is comfortable being the primary legal authority on files.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Advisory & Case Management
- Provide strategic legal advice to clients with minimal supervision.
- Manage matters end-to-end, ensuring timely progression and resolution.
- Develop and implement tailored legal strategies aligned to client objectives.
Drafting & Document Review (Independent Requirement)
- Independently draft, review, and finalise all litigation and advisory documents, including:
- Pleadings, notices, affidavits, and interlocutory applications
- Heads of argument and practice notes
- Contracts, agreements, and settlement agreements
- Formal legal opinions and advisory memoranda
- Ensure drafting is technically sound, compliant, and strategically aligned.
- Supervise and quality-check drafting completed by junior staff where required.
Legal Research & Analysis
- Conduct advanced legal research to support litigation and advisory work.
- Analyse legislation, case law, and legal developments impacting clients.
- Provide commercially sound risk-based advice to clients and internal stakeholders.
Client Engagement & Business Development
- Build and maintain long-term client relationships.
- Act as the primary point of contact on assigned matters.
- Lead client consultations, strategy sessions, and feedback meetings.
- Support business development through client retention and new instructions.
Court & Tribunal Representation
- Appear independently in the High Court and Labour Court.
- Prepare and argue motions, trials, appeals, and applications.
- Represent clients in arbitrations, mediations, and disciplinary proceedings.
- Liaise with counsel, experts, and third-party stakeholders as required.
File & Matter Management
- Maintain oversight of multiple active matters simultaneously.
- Ensure strict compliance with court rules, deadlines, and client requirements.
- Implement best-practice file management and reporting standards.
Billing & Financial Oversight
- Capture billable time daily on Legal Suite.
- Collaborate with Finance on invoice review and finalisation.
- Ensure timely submission of monthly billing records and travel claims.
Mentorship, Training & Performance Management
- Mentor and guide junior associates, candidate attorneys, and paralegals.
- Provide technical guidance on drafting, research, and litigation strategy.
- Participate in performance discussions, KPA reviews, and development planning.
- Assist HR and senior management with discipline and performance interventions.
- Deliver internal training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Leadership & Firm Contribution
- Contribute to firm-wide strategy, process improvement, and capacity building.
- Leverage legal systems and tools to improve efficiency and scalability.
- Represent the firm at industry events, networking sessions, and client engagements.
- Uphold the firm’s professional standards, ethics, and reputation.
Core Practice Areas / Required Experience
The successful candidate must demonstrate proven experience in the following:
- General civil litigation (motion and action proceedings)
- Labour and employment law
- Initiating and chairing disciplinary hearings
- Matters involving municipalities and public entities
- Working knowledge of the Municipal Systems Act and related legislation
- Regular appearances in the High Court and Labour Court
Qualifications & Experience
Essential Requirements:
- LLB degree
- Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
- Minimum 5+ years post-admission experience
- Right of appearance in the High Court
- Registered with the LPC with a clear disciplinary record
- Proven ability to manage complex, high-value matters independently
Language Requirement
- Full proficiency in English
- Proficiency in at least two additional official South African languages (spoken)
Core Competencies
- Strong leadership and decision-making ability
- Excellent drafting, analytical, and research skills
- Confident courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills
- Ability to work independently under pressure
- Strong client-facing and commercial awareness
Systems & Software
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Legal Suite
- Court Online / Caselines
The salary consists of a basic and target based commission structure.