Senior Corporate Counsel — M&A, Compliance & Strategy

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join its Pietermaritzburg team. You will manage corporate transactions, provide expert advice, and ensure regulatory compliance across SA laws. The role requires hands-on drafting, negotiation, and guidance to senior management on complex matters affecting the business.

You will work closely with finance and business development, oversee external counsel, and shape corporate strategy from a legal perspective in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA with 8+ years post-admission experience.
• Proven experience in handling significant corporate transactions (M&A, private equity, VC).
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate and contract law.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines.
• Experience in a legal firm or in-house legal department is essential.

Responsibilities

• Advise on all legal aspects of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements such as service, partnership, and licensing agreements.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential acquisitions and investments.
• Provide expert opinions on complex corporate and commercial law matters.
• Manage external legal counsel and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Develop and implement legal policies to mitigate risk.
• Ensure compliance with South African corporate laws and regulations.
• Support governance matters for the company and subsidiaries.
• Assist in developing and executing corporate strategy from a legal perspective.

Skills

Post-admission experience

M&A & private equity

SA corporate law

Drafting & negotiation

Independent work

Team collaboration

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join its Pietermaritzburg team. You will manage corporate transactions, provide expert advice, and ensure regulatory compliance across SA laws. The role requires hands-on drafting, negotiation, and guidance to senior management on complex matters affecting the business.

You will work closely with finance and business development, oversee external counsel, and shape corporate strategy from a legal perspective in a fast-paced environment.