Job Title: Senior Corporate Attorney

Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Corporate Attorney to provide strategic legal guidance, manage complex commercial and corporate finance transactions, and ensure effective risk management and compliance across the organisation. This pivotal role will drive secure, profitable outcomes through expert legal insight and seamless contract execution.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Expertise

• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of sophisticated commercial and corporate finance agreements, including shareholder agreements, Memoranda of Incorporation (MOIs), and operational contracts.

• Provide authoritative legal advice on all aspects of corporate governance and commercial law.

Deal Versatility

• Confidently manage diverse commercial and corporate finance transactions, including innovative or complex deal structures such as derivatives and preference shares.

• Apply deep legal and commercial acumen to novel transaction types.

Risk & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and contractual risks.

• Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Oversee litigation processes and proactively manage dispute resolution to safeguard organisational interests.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams (operations, business units, compliance) and external partners (law firms, client legal representatives).

• Deliver sound commercial outcomes through effective negotiation and communication.

Strategic Support

• Provide legal insights that inform business strategy and enhance decision-making.

• Support compliance and governance frameworks to ensure contractual terms are properly enforced.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• LLB degree and admission as an attorney.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years’ post-qualification experience in commercial and corporate law (30 years preferred).

• Demonstrated expertise in complex commercial and corporate finance transactions.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills across shareholder agreements, MOIs, and operational contracts.

• Proven ability to handle complex or innovative deal structures (e.g., derivatives, preference shares).

• Strong business acumen and ability to work independently in a dynamic, flat organisational environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

• Proficiency in legal technology and administrative efficiency without reliance on support staff.

Behavioural Competencies

• Proactive & Results-Driven: Delivers outcomes independently and thrives in high-pressure environments.

• Adaptable & Curious: Embraces new challenges and applies legal expertise to unfamiliar deal types.

• Collaborative: Fosters teamwork and shared success across all organisational levels.

Key Relationships

Internal:

• Collaborate with business unit leaders, managing directors, and compliance teams to align legal guidance with strategic and commercial objectives.

External:

• Negotiate with clients’ legal representatives and manage relationships with external counsel.

Application Details

If you meet the above criteria and are ready to make a strategic impact through your legal expertise, please submit your CV to lizelle@empowertalent.co.za