Senior Corporate Counsel

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Corporate Counsel to join its legal team. The role focuses on strategic corporate law, M&A, governance, and regulatory compliance.

You will draft and review agreements, advise senior management and the board, conduct legal research, manage litigation with external counsel as needed, and develop policies to mitigate risk. Ideal candidates have an LLB, admission as SA attorney, 8+ years in corporate law, strong drafting, negotiation, and

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent from a reputable institution.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of SA.
• Minimum 8 years post-qualification in corporate law.
• Proven expertise in contract law, governance, and litigation.
• Strong understanding of SA corporate and business law.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal counsel on mergers, governance, contracts and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review and negotiate various legal documents and policies.
• Manage and mitigate legal risks across operations and strategy.
• Advise senior management and the board on legal implications of decisions.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on complex issues.
• Oversee litigation and coordinate external counsel as needed.
• Ensure compliance with local, national and international laws.
• Develop and implement legal policies to reduce risk.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Analytical

Communication

Education

LLB or equivalent

Admitted as Attorney

Tools

Legal research databases

Office software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing legal entity in Port Elizabeth, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Corporate Counsel to join their esteemed legal department. This is a pivotal role that requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in corporate law. The successful candidate will be instrumental in providing expert legal advice, managing complex legal matters, and ensuring the company's compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. This position offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative team environment and contribute significantly to the company's strategic objectives. The role is based in the vibrant city of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal counsel on a wide range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various legal documents, agreements, and policies.
• Manage and mitigate legal risks associated with the company's operations and business strategies.
• Advise senior management and the board of directors on legal implications of business decisions.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions on complex issues.
• Oversee litigation and dispute resolution processes, working with external counsel when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and reduce risk.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal degree from a reputable institution.
• Admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience in corporate law, preferably gained within a reputable law firm or in-house legal department.
• Proven expertise in contract law, corporate governance, and commercial litigation.
• Strong understanding of South African corporate and business law.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• High level of professional ethics and integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and standard office software.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes a generous annual salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions. Employees also benefit from paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that values employee growth and well-being. The opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking legal team in Port Elizabeth is a significant draw.