Senior Corporate Counsel

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Generous annual leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Corporate Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support across business units, draft and negotiate contracts, and guide regulatory compliance in a hybrid work setting.

The role focuses on corporate law, dispute resolution, employment law, IP, and data privacy, with a proactive, commercially minded approach and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Admitted SA High Court attorney with 7+ years in corporate/commercial law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Deep knowledge of SA corporate law, company secretarial practices, and relevant legislation.
• Litigation or dispute resolution experience is advantageous.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• Proactive, commercially-minded legal practitioner with ability to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Advise on corporate and commercial legal issues including governance and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate service, supply, and partnership agreements.
• Manage and resolve litigation matters with external counsel as needed.
• Provide guidance on employment law, IP protection, and data privacy.
• Develop and implement legal policies to mitigate risk and ensure best practices.
• Conduct legal research on evolving landscapes affecting the business.
• Collaborate with senior management to tailor legal solutions to business needs.

Skills

Corporate law

Commercial contracts

Dispute resolution

Employment law

Intellectual property

Data privacy

Legal research

Education

Admitted Attorney (High Court of SA)

Tools

Legal research databases

Office software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Corporate Counsel to join their dynamic legal team in East London, Eastern Cape . This pivotal role will involve providing comprehensive legal support to various business units, managing complex legal matters, and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of corporate law, commercial contracts, and dispute resolution, with a proven track record of delivering pragmatic and effective legal advice in a fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing organization and play a key role in its strategic legal initiatives within the Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on a wide range of corporate and commercial legal issues, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial agreements, such as service agreements, supply agreements, and partnership agreements.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes and litigation matters, working closely with external counsel when necessary.
• Provide legal guidance on employment law matters, intellectual property protection, and data privacy.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to mitigate risk and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on evolving legal landscapes impacting the business.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior management, to understand business needs and provide tailored legal solutions.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience in corporate or commercial law.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate law, company secretarial practices, and relevant legislation.
• Experience in handling litigation and dispute resolution matters is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and standard office software.
• A proactive and commercially-minded approach to legal practice.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience, including a performance-based bonus.
• Employees will benefit from a comprehensive medical aid scheme, a retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for professional development and further legal training.
• This hybrid role allows for a balance between office-based collaboration in East London and remote work flexibility.
• You will join a supportive and collaborative team environment where your contributions are valued, and career progression is encouraged.
• Additional benefits include generous annual leave and wellness programs.