Senior Litigation Counsel

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development support

Infrastructure project exposure

Career advancement in Bloemfontein

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Litigation Counsel in Bloemfontein with extensive civil, commercial, and construction litigation experience. The role focuses on strategy development, managing external counsel, and representing the company in court proceedings as needed.

The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of South African civil procedure, evidence law, and contract law, with a track record of handling high-stakes matters and providing strategic legal guidance to senior

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney with 8+ years in civil litigation.
• Proven ability to manage external counsel and litigation budgets.
• Strong analytical, drafting and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute litigation strategies for disputes.
• Manage all phases of litigation: pleadings, discovery, motions, settlements.
• Brief and supervise external counsel for cost efficiency and outcomes.
• Represent the company in court, arbitration, and mediations as required.
• Advise senior management on litigation risks and liabilities.
• Conduct legal research and prepare arguments and documentation.
• Oversee investigation of potential claims and liabilities.
• Ensure compliance with procedural court rules.

Skills

Litigation experience

Courtroom advocacy

Contract & construction law

Education

Admission to the High Court of South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major national infrastructure development company with significant projects in the Bloemfontein, Free State region, is seeking an accomplished Senior Litigation Counsel. This challenging role requires a seasoned legal professional to manage and oversee all aspects of the company's litigation portfolio. You will be responsible for developing litigation strategies, managing external counsel, and representing the company in court proceedings when necessary. The position is based in our Bloemfontein offices, offering a central hub for operations and legal oversight. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in civil litigation, dispute resolution, and a deep understanding of contract law and construction law. This role is critical to protecting the company's interests and mitigating legal risks associated with its extensive operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute effective litigation strategies for all ongoing and potential legal disputes.
• Manage all phases of litigation, including discovery, pleadings, motions, and settlement negotiations.
• Brief and manage external legal counsel effectively, ensuring cost efficiency and optimal outcomes.
• Represent the company in court appearances, arbitration proceedings, and mediations.
• Provide legal advice to senior management on litigation risks and potential liabilities.
• Conduct thorough legal research and prepare compelling legal arguments and documentation.
• Oversee the investigation of potential claims and liabilities.
• Ensure compliance with court rules and procedural requirements.
• Manage the company's litigation budget.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with at least 8 years of dedicated litigation experience.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex civil litigation, including commercial and construction disputes.
• In-depth knowledge of South African civil procedure, evidence law, and relevant substantive law.
• Exceptional courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage high-stakes matters.
• Experience in managing external law firms and coordinating legal strategies.
• High level of professional integrity and ethical conduct.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary of R , reflecting expertise and experience.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and other benefits.
• Opportunity to work on significant infrastructure projects.
• Professional development support and continuous learning.
• A challenging and rewarding career in a leading industry player based in Bloemfontein .