Senior Legal Advisor

Sanlam; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African financial services group is seeking an experienced legal professional to join their litigation and dispute resolution team in Bellville. The role requires a qualified attorney with at least 7 years of litigation experience. Responsibilities include reviewing and drafting legal documents, providing legal advice, and managing litigation matters. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow within a dynamic team that values strong relationships and professional development.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years’ litigation experience, including court appearances and ADR.
• Sound understanding of Financial Services legislation.
• Experience in drafting legal documentation.

Responsibilities

• Represent Sanlam’s litigation and dispute resolution unit in engagements.
• Review and draft legal documents such as particulars of claims.
• Provide legal advice to various businesses in a timely manner.
• Manage litigation matters effectively.

Skills

Good knowledge of legislation impacting Sanlam

Contract negotiating and drafting

Legal research and writing of opinions

Good knowledge of litigation and ADR processes

Computer skills (MS Office)

Understanding of commercial contracts

Experience in managing litigation matters

Education

LLB or higher law degree

Admitted attorney or advocate

Job description

Who are we?

Sanlam Life and Savings (SLS) is focused on serving our retail and corporate clients in South Africa and further developing our strategic advantages in the South African market. Sanlam Life and Savings consists of the following business units Retail Mass, Corporate, Risk and Savings, Glacier and various business enabling functions. The Sanlam Life and Savings Office provides strategic direction, coordination and support to the four clusters, as well as performing governance oversight that includes assurance provided by second line of defense functions in SLS, to enable us to meet our business objectives.

What will you do?

Core Tasks

• Represent Sanlam’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Unit at required internal and external stakeholder engagements.
• Review and draft legal documents (among others: particulars of claims, legal notices etc).
• Provide various business with on time, up to date understandable, practical and relevant legal advice.
• Analyse disputes; consider, negotiate, implement and manage appropriate solutions.
• Facilitate the involvement of external lawyers.
• Mentor and train other legal advisors
• Consider practical and cost-effective dispute resolution alternatives.
• Research, prepare and draft opinions when required.
• Manage litigation matters.

What will make you successful in this role?

Role Requirements

Qualifications

• LLB or higher law degree
• Admitted attorney or advocate

Experience

• At least 7 years’ litigation experience (court appearances and alternative dispute resolution ADR)

Knowledge and algirithms

• Good knowledge of legislation impacting Sanlam, including the FSRA, Insurance Act and Prudential Standards, Retirement funds legislation, FAIS Act and Code of Conduct.
• Good knowledge and understanding of contract negotiating and drafting.
• Sound knowledge of legal research and writing of legal opinions.
• Analysis of and determining business impact of regulatory developments.
• Good knowledge of litigation and ADR processes.
• Drafting of pleadings and notices
• Computer skills (MS Office)
• Knowledge of the Financial Services industry
• Understanding of commercial contracts
• Experience in managing litigation matters

Personal Attributes

• Business insight - Contributing through others
• Builds networks - Contributing through others
• Manages complexity - Contributing through others
• Persuades - Contributing through others

Core Competencies

• Being resilient - Contributing through others
• Collaborates - Contributing through others
• Cultivates innovation - Contributing through others
• Customer focus - Contributing through others
• Drives results - Contributing through others

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached.érence time willulé.

Closing date26 January 2026

Our Choices to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.