Senior Legal Associate - Mergers & Acquisitions

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Pension fund

Career progression

High-profile deals

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 presents an exciting opportunity for a Senior Legal Associate in Randburg, focusing on sophisticated M&A matters. You will advise diverse clients including public and private companies, PE firms, and strategic investors on all aspects of deals, including structuring, due diligence, drafting, and negotiations.

The role blends in-office collaboration in Randburg with remote flexibility in a high-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA with 6+ years post-qualification experience in M&A.
• Proven track record managing significant M&A transactions including cross-border deals.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and regulatory compliance skills.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and client-facing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex M&A transactions from initiation to completion.
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence investigations for target companies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate Sale of Shares Agreements, Asset Purchase Agreements, and Joint Venture Agreements.
• Advise clients on deal structuring, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with clients, internal teams, and external advisors to achieve objectives.
• Mentor and guide junior associates.
• Stay updated on market trends and regulatory changes affecting M&A.
• Prepare and present legal advice and reports to clients and senior partners.
• Ensure efficient transaction management and timely closing of deals.
• Contribute to business development and client relationship management.

Skills

M&A expertise

Cross-border deals

Drafting & negotiation

Regulatory awareness

Leadership & mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading corporate law firm based in Randburg, Gauteng , is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Legal Associate to bolster its Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) practice. This is a significant opportunity for a seasoned legal professional with a proven track record in complex M&A transactions. You will be instrumental in advising a diverse clientele, including public and private companies, private equity firms, and strategic investors, on all facets of M&A deals. The role involves extensive work in deal structuring, due diligence, negotiation, and transaction execution. This position operates on a hybrid model, offering a blend of in-office collaboration in Randburg and remote flexibility, enabling a dynamic work approach. Our firm is renowned for its commitment to legal excellence, client service, and fostering the professional growth of its legal talent within the vibrant economic landscape of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex M&A transactions from initiation to completion.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence investigations for target companies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of transaction agreements, including Sale of Shares Agreements, Asset Purchase Agreements, and Joint Venture Agreements.
• Advise clients on deal structuring, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, internal teams, and external advisors to achieve transaction objectives.
• Manage junior associates and provide mentorship and guidance.
• Stay abreast of market trends, legal developments, and regulatory changes impacting M&A.
• Prepare and present legal advice and reports to clients and senior partners.
• Ensure efficient transaction management and timely closing of deals.
• Contribute to business development and client relationship management efforts.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience, with a primary focus on M&A.
• Demonstrated experience in managing significant M&A transactions, including cross-border deals.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, securities law, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to provide commercially astute legal advice.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model providing work-life balance.
• Exceptional career progression opportunities within a top-tier firm.
• Exposure to high-profile and challenging M&A transactions.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension fund.
• Dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment in Randburg .
• Professional development support and training.