In-House Legal Counsel - Corporate & Commercial Law

About the role

An established, independent wealth management business operating across South Africa and the United Kingdom is seeking a commercially minded Admitted Attorney to join its in-house legal team. This is a permanent, broad-based legal role covering corporate and commercial law, financial services regulation, corporate governance, company secretarial functions, data protection and employment law. The successful candidate will support multiple business functions, interpret legal and regulatory requirements across South Africa and the UK and help the business manage legal risk.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, service agreements, NDAs and other legal documentation
• Provide legal advice on commercial transactions, contractual obligations and general business matters
• Assist with regulatory compliance and interpretation of financial services legislation, including FSCA requirements
• Support corporate governance, board documentation, statutory records and company secretarial duties
• Advise on POPIA compliance and data protection matters
• Support AML, KYC, client due diligence and related regulatory requirements
• Provide support on South African employment law matters
• Assist with exchange control matters
• Research and interpret South African and UK legislation and regulatory developments
• Identify legal and regulatory risks and recommend commercially practical solutions
• Use Microsoft Office and AI-enabled legal tools to improve research, document review and workflow

Required profile

• LLB degree and admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa
• Approximately 2-3 years of post-admission experience
• Experience in regulated financial services and familiarity with FSCA requirements
• Knowledge of corporate governance, company secretarial functions and POPIA
• Basic knowledge of AML, KYC and client due diligence; working knowledge of South African employment law
• Exposure to or knowledge of exchange control regulations
• Ability to research and interpret South African and UK legal and regulatory developments

Required skills

• Strong legal research, drafting, analytical and interpretation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and confidence using AI-enabled legal tools
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a small legal team