Senior Corporate Attorney

Empowercapital; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Corporate Lawyer to lead the drafting and negotiation of complex commercial agreements. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years' experience in commercial law, exceptional drafting skills, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments. You will be responsible for identifying legal risks, overseeing litigation, and engaging with various stakeholders. This role offers significant strategic influence within the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' post-qualification experience in commercial law, 30 years preferred.
• Exceptional ability to draft and negotiate complex documents.
• Strong business acumen and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, negotiation, and execution of commercial agreements.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks, ensuring legal compliance.
• Oversee litigation and actively resolve disputes.

Skills

Drafting and negotiating shareholder agreements

Commercial law expertise

Strong communication skills

Adaptability in legal environments

Education

LLB degree

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Corporate Lawyer as an expert drafting attorney to join a legal department at a head office of a large-listed company based in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Key Responsibilities Legal Expertise : Lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of commercial and corporate finance agreements, including shareholder agreements, Memoranda of Incorporation (MOIs), funding agreements and operational commercial contracts, with ease and precision.

Deal Versatility : Confidently tackle any commercial or corporate finance transaction, including novel deals involving derivatives or preference share structures, applying sharp legal acumen and adaptability.

Risk & Compliance : Identify and mitigate legal and contractual risks, ensuring adherence to applicable laws and internal guidelines.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution : Oversee litigation and actively resolve disputes to protect the organisation's interests.

Stakeholder Engagement : Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams (e.g., operations, business units) and external partners (e.g., law firms, customer legal representatives) to deliver sound commercial terms.

Strategic Support : Contribute to business strategy by providing legal insights, ensuring contract terms are enforced, and advising on compliance and governance frameworks.

Qualifications & Experience

Education : LLB degree and admitted attorney.

Experience : Minimum of 10 years' post-qualification experience in commercial law, with 30 years preferred, demonstrating deep expertise in complex commercial and corporate finance transactions.

Skills : Exceptional ability to draft and negotiate shareholder agreements, MOIs, and operational commercial contracts with ease.

Proven capability to handle any commercial or corporate finance deal, including innovative structures like derivatives or preference shares.

Strong business acumen, with the ability to work independently in a dynamic, flat organisational structure.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with internal and external stakeholders.

Proficiency in legal software and administrative tasks without reliance on support staff.

Proactive & Results-Driven : A self-starter who delivers outcomes without supervision, thriving in high-pressure environments.

Adaptable & Curious : Eager to tackle new challenges and apply legal expertise to unfamiliar deal structures.

Collaborative : A positive team player who fosters equality and shared goals across all levels of the organisation.

Key Relationships Internal : Engage with business unit leaders, managing directors, and compliance teams to provide legal direction and support commercial objectives.

External : Negotiate with customers' legal representatives and manage relationships with external law firms.

Join a forward-thinking organisation where your legal expertise will shape strategic decisions and drive business success.

Apply Now : Please send your CV to : If we do not contact you within 14 days, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Legal #J-