Senior Litigation Associate

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Medical aid and pension fund

Professional development and path to/1

Hybrid work model

Mentorship programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Senior Litigation Associate to bolster the dispute resolution team. You will handle high-value commercial disputes from inception to trial, conduct extensive research, draft pleadings, and represent clients in court and ADR proceedings.

The role demands meticulous attention to detail, sharp analysis, and adept handling of complex legal challenges. The position offers a hybrid work model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility, with strong

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 6+ years post-qualification experience in commercial litigation.
• Strong knowledge of South African court procedures, rules of evidence, and civil procedure.
• Proven ability to manage complex litigation from inception to resolution.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience with ADR methods (mediation/arbitration).

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of commercial litigation matters.
• Conduct thorough legal research and draft pleadings and court documents.
• Prepare for and conduct examinations, depositions, and cross-examinations.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Develop case strategies and supervise junior associates and support staff.
• Liaise with clients, opposing counsel, and court officials; meet deadlines.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Client management

Case management

Drafting pleadings

Strategic litigation

Team supervision

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected commercial law firm with a strong presence in Pretoria, Gauteng, is looking for an accomplished Senior Litigation Associate to bolster their dispute resolution team. This role is ideal for a seasoned litigator seeking to handle complex, high-value commercial disputes. You will manage cases from inception through to trial, conduct extensive legal research, draft pleadings, and represent clients in court and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. The position requires a meticulous attention to detail, exceptional analytical skills, and a proven ability to navigate intricate legal challenges. The firm fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. This role embraces a hybrid work model , blending essential in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, promoting efficiency and work-life balance within the dynamic legal landscape of Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of commercial litigation matters.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis on complex legal issues.
• Draft, file, and serve all necessary court documents, including claims, notices, and applications.
• Prepare for and conduct examinations, including discovery, depositions, and cross‑examinations.
• Represent clients in court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations.
• Develop case strategies and provide sound legal advice to clients.
• Supervise junior associates and support staff involved in litigation matters.
• Liaise effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court officials.
• Ensure compliance with all procedural rules and deadlines.
• Contribute to business development efforts and client relationship management.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 6 years of post‑qualification experience in commercial litigation.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex litigation from initiation to resolution.
• Extensive experience with court procedures, rules of evidence, and civil procedure in South Africa.
• Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Proven ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues.
• Experience in alternative dispute resolution methods (mediation, arbitration).
• Excellent interpersonal and client management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Admitted to practice in the High Court of South Africa.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to the vicinity of Pretoria.

Benefits

• The firm offers a competitive salary, performance‑based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension fund contributions.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, advanced legal training, and partnership track are available.
• Employees benefit from a supportive and collegial work environment in Pretoria , with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid work model.
• The firm actively promotes a healthy work‑life balance.
• Access to cutting‑edge legal research tools and resources is provided.
• Regular mentorship programs are in place to support career growth.