Senior Legal Counsel

Discovery Limited; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in employee benefits seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal advisory services in retirement funds and insurance products. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, advising on regulatory compliance, and representing the company in industry discussions. Candidates must have a Bachelor of Laws and at least 8 years of experience in financial services.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience in financial services.
• Litigation experience and contract drafting expertise required.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation essential.

Responsibilities

• Conducting legal research and preparing legal publications.
• Handling external disputes and litigation.
• Drafting and negotiating contracts related to investment schemes.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-solving

Clear communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer focus

Integrity

Education

Bachelor of Laws

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Senior Legal Counsel

Business Unit: Discovery Employee Benefits

Function: Legal Affairs

About Discovery: Discovery's core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating in order to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.

About Discovery Corporate & Employee Benefits: Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits is the first and only employee benefits provider to shape employee behaviour, creating healthier and wealthier workforces. It is an exciting business to be in as we reimagine the way retirement savings and life insurance are brought to companies and employees.

Key Purpose: To perform a legal advisory function and deliver legal advisory services to the Employee Benefits and Invest business units on all legal aspects pertaining to the umbrella retirement funds, retail retirement funds, retail investments, and group life insurance products. To provide legal advice to the administrators of the Discovery retirement funds, the Board of Trustees, and the Principal Officer of the Discovery retirement funds. To provide commentary on draft legislation relating to the financial services sector and support the first line compliance team in analyzing and implementing legislation. To contribute to the leadership, management, and strategic direction of the legal function.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Conducting legal research and preparing legal publications, updates, and guidance notes.
2. Preparing reports for board meetings of the retirement funds.
3. Providing oversight on the drafting of General and Special Rules for the Funds.
4. Overseeing the allocation of death benefits and mentoring legal advisors on death claims.
5. Advising on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
6. Analyzing legislation and regulatory updates.
7. Handling external disputes and litigation.
8. Drafting and negotiating contracts related to investment schemes and insurance products.
9. Representing Discovery in industry bodies and seminars.
10. Reviewing marketing material for legal compliance.
11. Mentoring less experienced attorneys.
12. Commenting on proposed legislation and analyzing its impact.
13. Building relationships within business units and regulatory bodies.

Personal Attributes: Analytical, problem-solving, clear communication, customer focus, interpersonal skills, integrity, planning, stress tolerance, analytical thinking.

Education and Experience: Matric, Bachelor of Laws, knowledge of relevant legislation, minimum 8 years' experience in financial services, litigation experience, contract drafting, and fund rules expertise. Advantageous: postgraduate qualification, admitted attorney, experience with insurance and employee benefits, compliance, and governance.

Employment Equity: The company's Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered. We encourage applications from people with disabilities.