Legal Counsel

About the role

Provide legal support to all businesses of Cipla in One Africa, ensuring compliance across finance, commercial, regulatory, medical, HR and governance. The role reports to the Head of Legal – One Africa and works closely with cross‑functional teams.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice and support to all stakeholders across finance, commercial (sales, marketing, business development), regulatory, medical services, HR, corporate governance and the Cipla Foundation, contributing to policy and process drafting.
• Assist in advising on and managing disputes, aiming for cost‑effective resolution before arbitration or litigation, and coordinate the litigation process, including sourcing and managing external counsel.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts for all business areas, develop master agreements for recurring models to standardise terms, ensure contracts are high quality, implementable, meet business requirements and comply with legislation.
• Maintain the legal database by updating records, filing legal documents and preserving a comprehensive repository of all legal documents.

Required profile

• LLB or equivalent degree in law recognised in South Africa, admitted attorney or equivalent qualification.
• 5‑8 years post‑articles legal experience, preferably in corporate and commercial law, with demonstrated negotiation, litigation management and contract drafting abilities.

Required skills

• Strong negotiation and persuasive communication skills.
• Proven litigation management experience.
• Excellent contract drafting and review capabilities.
• Knowledge of employment and labour law matters.
• Self‑motivated with ability to work independently.