Senior Legal Counsel - Remote First

Placements24; Paarl; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work setup

Home office stipend

Professional development opportunities

Access to legal tech resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join a remote-first global legal team. The role focuses on corporate governance, contract negotiation, and risk management across diverse business operations.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, capable of handling multiple priorities, and can contribute to strategic decision-making from a virtual setting. The position requires SA admission, 7–10 years post-qualification experience in corporate law, and a track record in negotiating complex

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent from a reputable institution.
• Admitted to practice in South Africa is essential.
• 7–10 years post-qualification experience in corporate law, ideally in a multinational or top-tier firm.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation experience.
• Experience in governance and compliance matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to convey complex legal concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to senior management on governance, contracts, IP, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements and partnerships.
• Perform legal research to anticipate and mitigate risks.
• Develop and implement policies to ensure legal compliance.
• Manage external counsel engagements for cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Support M&A activities, due diligence, and integration where needed.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise on business impact.
• Collaborate with remote cross-functional teams and ensure accurate legal documentation.

Skills

Corporate governance

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Risk management

Legal research

Communication

Education

LLB or equivalent

Tools

Legal tech tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing global entity, is seeking a highly accomplished and seasoned Senior Legal Counsel to join their dynamic legal department. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that champions a remote-first culture, fostering collaboration and innovation regardless of physical location. You will play a pivotal role in navigating complex legal landscapes, providing strategic advice, and ensuring compliance across a diverse range of business operations. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, adept at managing multiple priorities, and possesses a deep understanding of corporate law, contract negotiation, and risk management. This position is integral to safeguarding the company's interests and supporting its continued expansion, offering significant scope for professional development and impactful work within a supportive, virtual team environment. We are committed to building a strong, resilient legal function that empowers our team members to excel from wherever they work best.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and strategic counsel to senior management and various business units on a wide array of legal matters, including corporate governance, commercial contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, service level agreements, and partnership arrangements.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to anticipate and mitigate potential legal risks and liabilities.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage and oversee external counsel engagements when necessary, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality of service.
• Support M&A activities, due diligence, and integration processes.
• Stay abreast of new legislative and regulatory developments impacting the business and advise on necessary adjustments.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a remote setting to achieve business objectives.
• Ensure the company's legal documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent degree from a reputable institution.
• Admission to practice law in **South Africa** is essential.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of post-qualification experience in a corporate law environment, preferably within a multinational corporation or a top-tier law firm.
• Demonstrated expertise in commercial contract drafting and negotiation.
• Proven experience in advising on corporate governance and compliance matters.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in using legal technology and collaboration tools suitable for a remote work environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage a demanding workload, and meet tight deadlines.
• A proactive and diligent approach to legal problem-solving is crucial.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• A fully remote work setup with a stipend for home office expenses.
• Access to cutting-edge legal technology and resources.
• A collaborative and inclusive virtual work culture.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing international organization.
• Supportive management and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.