We’re recruiting for the role of Senior Legal Specialist who will take responsibility for delivering sound legal advice to the business and providing support to the business on matters relating to the general law of property and the impact thereof; the drafting, negotiation and renewal of property leases, access agreements, site sharing agreements with third parties; commercial agreements with customers, vendor agreements and any other agreements that the company may be required to enter into from time to time; and dispute resolution and the mitigation of associated risk in all matters relevant to property transactions and related-matters involving the company. The Senior Legal Specialist will be expected to make sound judgements regarding terms and conditions when negotiating or renewing leases, supplier and managed services agreements including any associated agreements and when to settle disputes. (12 month contract role based in Johannesburg).
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Providing accurate, effective and timely legal advice, analysis and support at an expert level on commercial and contractual matters, with specific focus on property lease and site-sharing renewals, disputes and negotiations
- Writing legal opinions on prospects of success in pending litigation relating to sites where a commercial, contractual or strategic interest exists
- Keeping business stakeholders updated and briefed on major negotiations, disputes and changes in South African property law impacting the business
- Providing external lawyers with strategic direction on behalf of the business in respect of litigation matters where they are acting on its behalf
- Considering and approving external lawyers’ invoices relating to disputes where they are acting on behalf of the business
- Participating actively as a member of the legal team
- Playing a lead role in negotiating and drafting lease, access, site-sharing and related agreements
- Keeping all standard lease agreement templates up to date and aligned with developments in property law and business requirements
- Participating actively in the broader Group legal community to leverage experience, expertise and synergies for the benefit of the Group
- Keeping the EHOD: Legal Affairs informed and involved in major or complex negotiations and disputes and preparing reports for them from time to time
Minimum Requirements:
- LLB Degree or higher
- Admitted Attorney or Advocate with 5 to 8 years post-qualification experience
- Demonstrable experience in property law
- Fluency in English is mandatory
- Extensive commercial law, drafting and negotiation experience
- Ability to provide innovative legal solutions in a fast moving industry