Job Description

VACANCY
JUNIOR LEGAL ADVISOR
We are looking for an in-house junior legal advisor who will be responsible for the required legal work, drafting, reviewing and providing general counsel for the company which advises a private credit fund specialising in trade finance.
The appointed candidate will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following:
General legal matters:

• Draft and implement legal documentation required by the business, including non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, participation agreements, contracts of engagement, service provider contracts, corporate resolutions, letters of demand, etc.
• Understand the content of the relevant legal documentation and the structuring, implementation, enforcement and practical implications thereof.
• Liaise directly with and manage clients from inception to closing of deals.
• Brief and liaise with external counsel regarding implementation of deals and enforcement.
• Research legal concepts, queries and business related matters and provide written reports.
• Understand and interpret relevant legislation. Provide recommendations where necessary.
• Provide input to management, portfolio managers and other team members regarding legal queries with respect to the operation of the fund and/or underlying transactions.
• Provide input into legal strategies and the practical application & operation thereof.
• Support all litigious matters of the fund.
• Advise on general regulatory issues.

Advise and assist with all stages of trade finance transactions:

• Advise portfolio managers on legal matters relating to underlying transactions.
• Assist the legal team with drafting, vetting and negotiating the finance and security agreements, terms sheets and anciliary documentation for various transactions (whether under English Law, South African Law or other jurisdictions).
• Assist with drafting conditions precedent and conditions precedent checklists and running the closing process.
• Assist the legal team and portfolio managers in their engagements, be it at deal initiation phase, deal approval, deal negotiation, financial close, post financial close or in respect of default.

Corporate legal strategy:

• Assist the legal team to develop and lead corporate legal strategy to promote and protect the company's matters.
• Assist the legal team to oversee delivery of legal services and resources to accomplish corporate goals, strategies and priorities.
• Participate in the formulation of general policies as a member of the legal team.

Essential Requirements:
Qualification

• BA / BCom law degree with LLB

Professional Membership

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa (or in the process of being admitted)

Experience

• Completed legal articles
• Legal experience in banking & finance / trade finance / cross-border transactions

Essential Skills & Abilities

• Legal research
• Pro-active, diligent and deadline driven
• Effective planning & organising
• Dissemination and/or negotiation of legal documentation and processes of a complex nature
• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills
• Problem-solver
• Adept at networking & building long term relationships
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Team collaboration
• Articulating information
• Directing people
• Documenting facts
• Email etiquette - professional formulation and drafting

Technical Competencies

• Trade finance knowledge
• Advanced Microsoft Word & Outlook
• Legal compliance
• Legal knowledge
• Legal research
• Policy development
• Risk awareness
• Strategy definition

Other

• Opportunity for travel
• Competency in AI tools
• Speaking and/or writing additional languages would be advantageous (e.g. French, Arabic, Hindi etc.)

Skills Required