Senior Corporate Lawyer - Commercial Transactions

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Healthy work-life balance

Exposure to complex matters

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a Pretoria-based corporate law firm in finding a Senior Corporate Lawyer to lead the corporate transactions team. The role requires advising on mergers, acquisitions, restructurings and general commercial matters for a prestigious client base within Gauteng.

The successful candidate will manage complex deals, mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to client service and business development while maintaining the highest professional standards. English fluency is essential.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with 7+ years of corporate law and commercial transactions.
• Experience advising on and executing M&A deals.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Commercially minded with ability to manage complex projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advise on corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures.
• Draft, review and negotiate sale and purchase agreements, shareholder agreements and financing documents.
• Provide comprehensive legal advice on governance, compliance and regulatory matters.
• Conduct due diligence investigations for potential transactions.
• Manage client relationships and act as primary contact for corporate matters.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and staff.
• Stay updated on legislative changes and market trends in corporate law.
• Contribute to business development initiatives.

Skills

Negotiation

Drafting

Communication

Business acumen

Project management

Mentorship

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and well-established corporate law firm based in Pretoria, is actively seeking a highly skilled Senior Corporate Lawyer to bolster its corporate transactions team. This critical position involves providing expert legal counsel on a wide array of corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and general commercial advisory matters for a diverse and prestigious client base. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of managing complex deals and demonstrating exceptional legal acumen. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the firm's esteemed reputation and client service excellence within the legal community of Gauteng. We are looking for a driven professional who can lead, advise, and excel in a demanding yet rewarding legal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and advise on corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents such as sale and purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and financing agreements.
• Provide comprehensive legal advice on corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Conduct thorough legal due diligence investigations for potential transactions.
• Manage client relationships and serve as a primary point of contact for corporate legal matters.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and legal support staff.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes and market trends affecting corporate law.
• Contribute to the firm's business development efforts.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7 years of post-admission experience, with a strong emphasis on corporate law and commercial transactions.
• Extensive experience in advising on and executing M&A deals.
• Deep understanding of South African company law and related legislation.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to provide practical, commercially sound legal advice.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory; other South African languages are an advantage.
• A commitment to maintaining high professional standards.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits structure.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced training and participation in industry events, are provided.
• The firm fosters a highly professional and collaborative work environment, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Exposure to significant and complex legal work in Pretoria.
• This role presents a significant career advancement opportunity within a respected legal institution.