Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid & pension

Professional development

International deals

Career progression

Polokwane office

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior M&A Lawyer to join our client’s corporate practice in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will lead domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, oversee due diligence, drafting, and closing, and guide junior lawyers.

You will manage client relationships, advise on complex transactions, stay abreast of market trends, and contribute to business development while upholding the firm’s standards. This is a full-time role in our Polokwane office.

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a recognized university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum 8 years post-qualification experience in M&A at a reputable firm or in-house.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of M&A transactions from structuring to closing.
• Advise corporate clients, private equity firms and financial institutions on mergers, divestitures, joint ventures and restructurings.
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence, identify risks and provide strategic recommendations.
• Draft, review and negotiate Sale of Business Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements and Joint Venture agreements.
• Manage deal teams and relationships with clients, intermediaries and stakeholders.
• Stay informed about market trends and regulatory developments affecting M&A.

Skills

M&A experience

Corporate law

Negotiation

Client relations

Leadership

Education

LLB degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international law firm with a strong presence in Africa, is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lawyer to join their prestigious corporate practice in Polokwane, Limpopo . This role is crucial for advising on a wide range of complex domestic and cross-border transactions. You will lead deal teams, manage client relationships, and play a key role in the growth and success of the firm's M&A capabilities in the region. This is an exceptional opportunity for a driven lawyer to work on high-profile deals within a dynamic and collaborative environment. The position requires full‑time dedication in our Polokwane office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of M&A transactions, from initial structuring and due diligence to negotiation, drafting, and closing.
• Advise corporate clients, private equity firms, and financial institutions on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings.
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence investigations, identify risks, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents, including Sale of Business Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, Joint Venture Agreements, and MOIs.
• Manage deal teams, including junior lawyers and support staff, ensuring efficient and high‑quality execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, intermediaries, and other stakeholders.
• Stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and legal developments impacting M&A transactions.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including client pitches and thought leadership publications.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African and international laws and regulations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant post‑qualification experience in M&A, gained at a reputable law firm or in‑house corporate legal department.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing and closing complex M&A transactions.
• In‑depth understanding of corporate law, company secretarial practices, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to provide commercially focused legal advice.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and client relationship management skills.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in other South African languages is an advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary package, up to ZAR , commensurate with experience.
• Eligibility for significant performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• Generous professional development budget and support for continuing legal education.
• Opportunity to work on high‑profile, international transactions.
• A supportive and intellectually stimulating work environment in our Polokwane office.
• Clear pathway for career progression, including potential partnership opportunities.