Global Legal Counsel - Contracts, Compliance & M&A

A global financial advisory firm in South Africa is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide legal expertise and support global operations. The role involves drafting and reviewing contracts, managing legal risks, and ensuring compliance across jurisdictions. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of post-qualification experience, particularly in commercial and corporate law, with a strong capability in contract negotiation. This position is critical in fostering legal compliance and risk management, as well as supporting the firm's growth and expansion strategies. Key responsibilities include: • Providing legal advice and support to the business on all contractual matters; • Drafting and reviewing contracts, including master agreements, service level agreements, and other commercial documents; • Managing legal risks associated with global operations, including compliance with relevant laws and regulations; • Ensuring compliance across jurisdictions, including anti-money laundering and know-your-customer requirements; • Collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop and implement effective risk management strategies; • Providing training and guidance on legal matters to non-legal staff; • Staying up-to-date with changes in relevant laws and regulations, and advising the business accordingly. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of commercial and corporate law, as well as experience in contract negotiation. A bachelor's degree in law (LLB) or equivalent is required, and an LLM or other advanced legal qualification would be advantageous.