Senior Specialist Legal

Liberty Group South Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in Gauteng, Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Legal Specialist to provide essential legal support to its Investment Platform business line. The role requires at least 3 years’ experience in legal advising within a financial services context and strong knowledge of relevant legislation and investment products. As part of a forward-thinking team, you will manage legal risks, draft important documentation, and ensure compliance with regulatory changes. Join us to play a key role in enabling growth and innovation within the company.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience as a Legal Advisor in LISP.
• Strong knowledge of wealth, investments, and financial services sector.
• Understanding of relevant financial services legislation and investment products.

Responsibilities

• Manage legal and reputational risk ensuring adherence to corporate governance.
• Provide legal advice on investment products and legislation.
• Draft and review contracts, client documentation, and product communications.
• Collaborate with product development, compliance, and tax teams.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise on their business impact.

Skills

Contract drafting skills

Business acumen

Problem-solving ability

Project management

Relationship-building skills

Education

LLB or B(Proc)/B Juris

Admitted attorney or advocate

CFP designation

Job description

Purpose of the role

The Investment Platform is building a new and exciting financial services business, delivering a leading-edge investment platform and supporting services to independent financial advisers. Leveraging the latest global technologies, our platform is built on modern architecture and straight-through processing, offering a highly competitive proposition with both local and offshore capability. At the core of our vision lies customer centricity and digital enablement.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Legal Specialist to provide legal support and advice to the Investment Platform business line. This role offers exposure across the broader Investments and Asset Management unit, ensuring alignment with governance, compliance, and strategic objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• LLB or B(Proc)/B Juris (or similar professional qualification)
• Admitted attorney or advocate
• CFP designation (advantageous)
• 3+ years’ experience as a Legal Advisor in LISP (essential)
• Strong knowledge of wealth, investments, and the financial services sector
• Understanding of relevant financial services legislation and investment/LISP products
• Retirement funds and retail investment product experience

Key Responsibilities

• Manage legal and reputational risk while ensuring adherence to corporate governance.
• Provide legal advice on investment products, legislation, and operational processes.
• Draft, vet, and review contracts, client documentation, and product-related communications.
• Collaborate with product development, compliance, tax, marketing, and dispute resolution teams.
• Conduct legal research and deliver opinions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support retirement fund governance and provide input on product tax matters.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise on their impact to the business.
• Contribute to a fintech-driven culture by implementing modern legal tech solutions.
• Prepare monthly legal risk reports for the Head of Legal.

Competencies

• Exceptional contract drafting skills
• Strong business acumen and problem-solving ability
• Ability to multi-task and manage projects in fast-paced environments
• High sense of responsibility, conscientiousness, and delivery focus
• Proactive, independent thinker with sound judgment
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across diverse teams

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking investment platform that is reshaping financial services through innovation and digital enablement. You’ll play a pivotal role in safeguarding the business while enabling growth and excellence.