Senior Associate - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave provisions

Training and career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing an experienced Senior Associate specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions to join a leading international law firm in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role leads deal execution, client management and mentoring junior lawyers in a hybrid work model between the Nelspruit office and remote work.

You will handle cross-border and domestic transactions, draft and negotiate core documents, oversee due diligence, manage client expectations, and collaborate with other practice groups.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 7+ years M&A experience.
• Proven track record in managing significant M&A transactions.
• Strong knowledge of corporate and securities law.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions from origination to closing, including due diligence, negotiation, and drafting.
• Advise clients on deal structuring, risk assessment, and regulatory requirements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents, such as Share Purchase Agreements and Joint Venture Agreements.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence investigations.
• Manage client relationships and serve as a primary point of contact for M&A matters.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and paralegals involved in transactions.
• Collaborate with other practice groups within the firm to provide integrated client solutions.
• Stay updated on M&A market trends and legal developments.
• Contribute to the firm's business development efforts and knowledge management.
• Ensure strict adherence to the firm's quality standards and ethical guidelines.

Skills

M&A experience

Team leadership

Client management

Negotiation

Drafting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international law firm with a strong corporate practice, is seeking an experienced Senior Associate specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) to join their dynamic team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is pivotal in advising a diverse clientele on complex cross-border and domestic M&A transactions. The successful candidate will play a lead role in deal execution, client management, and mentoring junior associates. This position offers a hybrid work model, combining the collaborative environment of the Nelspruit office with the flexibility of remote work. The firm is renowned for its challenging and high-profile work in the M&A space.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions from origination to closing, including due diligence, negotiation, and drafting.
• Advise clients on deal structuring, risk assessment, and regulatory requirements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents, such as Share Purchase Agreements and Joint Venture Agreements.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence investigations.
• Manage client relationships and serve as a primary point of contact for M&A matters.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and paralegals involved in transactions.
• Collaborate with other practice groups within the firm to provide integrated client solutions.
• Stay updated on M&A market trends and legal developments.
• Contribute to the firm's business development efforts and knowledge management.
• Ensure strict adherence to the firm's quality standards and ethical guidelines.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of dedicated M&A experience.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing significant M&A transactions.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law, securities law, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to lead deal teams and manage client expectations effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive, business-oriented approach to legal problem-solving.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Nelspruit .
• Experience in Private Equity or Venture Capital is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority of the role. Comprehensive benefits include private medical aid, a retirement fund, and generous leave provisions. The firm is committed to professional development, providing extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The hybrid work model offers flexibility for professionals in Nelspruit . This role provides exposure to cutting-edge M&A work and the opportunity to progress within a leading international law firm.