Senior Legal Advisor

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive package

Bonus potential

International exposure

Fully remote

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Legal Advisor for a leading financial services institution in Sandton, Gauteng. You will provide high‑level regulatory and commercial guidance to support strategic decisions and robust compliance.

The role demands extensive experience, strong leadership, and the ability to manage complex transactions, liaise with boards, regulators, and external counsel, and drive governance across the business.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• 8+ years post-qualification experience with a focus on financial services law.
• Deep understanding of SA financial regulations (FICA, POPIA, Companies Act).
• Experience advising on complex financial transactions and corporate structuring.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder influencing ability.
• Independent, capable of handling high-stakes matters.
• Integrity, discretion, and strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on financial regulations, compliance and governance.
• Review and negotiate complex financial agreements and documents.
• Manage legal aspects of product development in financial services.
• Conduct thorough legal research and prepare opinions.
• Ensure adherence to laws, regulations and industry standards.
• Assist in regulatory inquiries and interactions with supervisors.
• Advise on risk management strategies and mitigation.
• Support senior management and the board on legal matters.
• Liaise with external counsel and other stakeholders on significant issues.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Negotiation

Legal advisory

Leadership

Education

Admitted Attorney or Advocate (SA)

Tools

Legal research tools

Case management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services institution, is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior Legal Advisor. This position is based in the bustling hub of Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa, and presents a superb opportunity for a legal expert to contribute significantly to the firm's strategic objectives. The Senior Legal Advisor will provide high-level legal counsel on a diverse range of financial regulatory matters, corporate governance, and complex commercial transactions. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of the financial services industry in South Africa, exceptional analytical skills, and a proven ability to manage intricate legal issues with precision and efficiency. We are looking for a proactive leader who can offer strategic insights, guide business decisions, and ensure robust compliance frameworks are maintained. This role demands strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to upholding the highest professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on financial regulations, compliance, and corporate governance.
• Review and negotiate complex financial agreements and transactional documents.
• Manage legal aspects of product development and implementation within the financial services sector.
• Conduct thorough legal research and prepare comprehensive legal opinions.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Assist in managing regulatory inquiries and interactions with supervisory bodies.
• Advise on risk management strategies and mitigation efforts.
• Support senior management and the board on legal and compliance matters.
• Liaise with external counsel and other stakeholders on significant legal issues.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant portion dedicated to financial services law.
• In-depth understanding of South African financial services regulations (e.g., FICA, POPIA, Companies Act).
• Proven experience in advising on complex financial transactions and corporate structuring.
• Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership capabilities and the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Proficiency in legal research and case management tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage high-stakes legal matters.
• Integrity, discretion, and a strong work ethic.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Significant bonus potential based on performance and company success.
• Opportunities for international exposure and professional development.
• A fully remote work arrangement, offering exceptional flexibility.
• Engage with complex legal challenges at a leading institution in Sandton, Gauteng.
• A dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.