Senior Legal Counsel

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Incentive-based package

Leadership development

Challenging high-impact work

Prestigious organization

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Legal Counsel for our client, a leading financial services institution in South Africa. The role combines remote work with in-office collaboration at the Benoni branch, focusing on complex regulatory and corporate matters.

You will provide strategic legal guidance, manage major projects, oversee governance, and mentor junior lawyers while staying current on FAIS, FICA, and related legislation to safeguard the company’s interests.

Qualifications

• Qualified attorney with 8+ years in financial services law.
• Experience with FAIS, FICA, and the Companies Act.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal projects and provide strategic guidance.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level legal advice on complex financial products, transactions, and regulatory issues.
• Draft, review, and negotiate sophisticated commercial agreements and financial documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable financial services regulations and legislation.
• Manage and advise on significant litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Conduct thorough legal research and prepare comprehensive legal opinions and memoranda.
• Oversee corporate governance matters and advise the board of directors as needed.
• Collaborate with business units to identify and mitigate legal risks.
• Mentor and guide junior legal team members.
• Stay abreast of evolving legal and regulatory developments in the financial sector.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Drafting

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial services institution, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join their esteemed legal department. This role offers a hybrid working model, allowing for a flexible combination of remote work and in-office collaboration at our Benoni branch. The Senior Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing expert legal advice on a wide range of complex financial and corporate matters, managing regulatory compliance, and overseeing significant legal projects. This position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of financial services law and a proven ability to navigate intricate legal landscapes. You will play a key role in safeguarding the company's interests and contributing to its strategic objectives through robust legal guidance. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level legal advice on complex financial products, transactions, and regulatory issues.
• Draft, review, and negotiate sophisticated commercial agreements and financial documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable financial services regulations and legislation.
• Manage and advise on significant litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Conduct thorough legal research and prepare comprehensive legal opinions and memoranda.
• Oversee corporate governance matters and advise the board of directors as needed.
• Collaborate with business units to identify and mitigate legal risks.
• Mentor and guide junior legal team members.
• Stay abreast of evolving legal and regulatory developments in the financial sector.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, with significant experience in financial services law and corporate/commercial law.
• Deep understanding of relevant legislation (e.g., FAIS, FICA, Companies Act).
• Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal projects and provide strategic advice.
• Experience working within a hybrid model, demonstrating strong remote collaboration capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement for enhanced work-life balance.
• Opportunities for significant professional growth and leadership development.
• Engage in complex and high-impact legal work within the financial services industry.
• Contribute to a prestigious and reputable organization.
• Supportive team environment.