16 Associate Attorney jobs in South Africa

Job title:
Associate Attorney

Seniority level:

Between 3 – 6 years' proven work experience in a legal firm

Reporting Level:
Directly to the directors in the Employment & Public Law Department

Job location:
Cape Town - Wembley 3, 80 McKenzie Street

Employment type:
 Full-time

Commencement
: As soon as possible

Remuneration:
 CTC - Commensurate to work experience (please indicate salary expectation on application)

Benefits
: Provident fund, cell-phone allowance, & secure parking

Skills and Qualifications
:

· Admitted as an attorney of the High Court and currently in practice with a specific focus on all aspects of Employment
and
Public law is essential.

· Registered and in good standing as a legal practitioner with the Legal Practice Council.

· Specific interest / knowledge in Employment
and
P
ublic Law (Administrative; Procurement; Local Government law), as well as litigation experience in the High Court, Labour Court and statutory bodies such as Bargaining Councils and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

· LLB Degree (
essential
) and any other business-related or related Masters' degree (
desirable
).

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills; critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and skills in paying attention to detail.

· Fully bilingual in English and Afrikaans. Fluent in any other language is beneficial.

· Proven ability to be proactive and take initiative, as well as easily adaptable in a high-pressure environment in juggling multiple urgent matters at a time.

· Positive attitude and proven ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with team members.

· Adept in research skills and in various computer systems,
viz.
Microsoft Platforms (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word), legal literature platforms (
viz.
Juta Law, LexisNexis, Sabinet (or any other legal accounting/financial software programmes).

· Has strong organisational and excellent time management skills.

·  Ability to think out of the box and with the requisite speed required for a busy practice.

· Ability to contribute posititively and proactively as part of a team.

·  Maintain professional interaction with clients and colleagues.

·  Ability to identify and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities:

· Dealing and running with litigious matters, with nuanced legal issues particularly in municipal law, procurement law, administrative law and employment law; including drafting of court papers (either application or action proceedings) and managing client instructions and expectations.

· Conducting research and drafting legal opinions of intricate legal issues particularly in municipal law, procurement law, administrative law or employment law; including drafting of court papers (either application or action proceedings) and managing client instructions.

· Aim to organically grow his/her practice.

Application Requirements:

Closing date for applications
:
27 October 2025

·
Curriculum Vitae

·
Copy of identity document

·
Certified copy of LLB and any other qualifications

·
Certified copy of attorney's admission certificate

Applications can be sent to by or before closing date,
viz.
27 October 2025
. No late applications will be accepted.

Should you not receive a response after three weeks of date of submission of your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.

A vacancy has emerged in the Litigation Department for an associate based in the Sandton office.

Key Responsibilities

• A good understanding of the Magistrate's Court, Regional Court and the High Court civil process;
• Excellent drafting of legal opinions, pleadings and documents required for civil litigation;
• Experience in Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law and Dispute Resolution.

Qualifications and experience required

• LLB degree or equivalent experience;
• Must be an admitted attorney;
• Post-graduate qualification advantageous; and
• 1-2 years post articles relevant experience.

Company Description

MCH ATTORNEYS INC is a South African commercial and property law firm with offices in La Lucia Ridge. We are dedicated to being client-centered, performance-driven, and success-orientated. Our firm advises and represents prominent multinational corporations, leading national companies, financial institutions, and distinguished individuals. We are committed to upholding our clients' best interests.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for an Associate Attorney based in Durban. The Associate Attorney will be responsible for advising clients on legal matters, conducting in-depth legal research and attending to Magistrate Court and High Court Litigation.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in providing Legal Advice and conducting Research
• Effective Negotiation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Thorough understanding of legal and court processes
• Legal qualification from a recognized institution
• Previous experience in a commercial or property law firm is a plus

This role is offered by a respected law firm based in Sandton, Johannesburg. Maine Fractals (Pty) Ltd is managing recruitment on their behalf.

Our award-winning law firm client in Sandton is seeking a Senior Associate Attorney with deep transactional expertise across Banking & Finance, Corporate & Commercial Law, and Mergers & Acquisitions.

Role Purpose: The Senior Associate Attorney will provide expert legal advice and transactional leadership on complex matters. This includes overseeing high-level client engagements, drafting and negotiating critical legal instruments, leading due diligence teams, and contributing strategically to business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Banking & Finance

• Advise clients (including lenders, borrowers, and financial institutions) on structured finance, project finance, and general banking transactions
• Draft and negotiate loan agreements, security documentation, and related finance instruments
• Ensure compliance with banking and financial regulations
• Handle cross-border financing deals and liaise with international counsel

Corporate & Commercial

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts including shareholders' agreements, service level agreements, JV agreements, and procurement contracts
• Advise on corporate structuring, governance, compliance, and regulatory issues
• Conduct legal due diligence and risk assessments
• Support company secretarial matters and corporate restructuring initiatives

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Lead and manage all phases of M&A transactions, including due diligence, term sheets, regulatory filings, and post-transaction integration
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents such as SPAs, MOUs, NDAs, and other corporate agreements
• Liaise with regulatory authorities for merger approvals and compliance
• Conduct legal risk analyses and present findings to clients and internal teams

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong technical legal drafting and negotiation skills
• In-depth knowledge of South African corporate, commercial, and financial law
• Ability to lead transactions independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent client relationship management and business development skills
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities
• Professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality

Qualifications:

• LLB Degree (Master's in Commercial Law or related field is advantageous)
• Admitted attorney in South Africa
• Minimum of 8–10 years post-admission experience in a reputable law firm or in-house legal environment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Client satisfaction and retention
• Number and value of transactions handled
• Quality and timeliness of legal work delivered
• Contribution to business development and thought leadership
• Mentoring and development of junior staff

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg Compensation: Market-related and negotiable based on experience. Employment Type: Full-time, on-site.

Application Instructions: Please include the job title "Senior Associate Attorney" in your application subject line. Only complete applications will be considered. Visit or send your CV and a short motivation to

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R85 000,00 - R95 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Do you have hands-on experience in Banking & Finance, Corporate & Commercial Law, or Mergers & Acquisitions? - Reject if "No"
• Are you an admitted attorney in South Africa? - Reject if "No"

Work Location: In person

Purpose of the role:

Are you a driven and detail-oriented attorney looking to take the next step in your career?

We are seeking a dedicated Associate / Senior Associate Attorney to join our company's legal team.

This role offers exposure to a wide range of legal matters and requires someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is willing to put in the hours to deliver excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain multiple legal matters, files, documents, and court schedules in an organized manner.
• Represent the company in litigation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, letters of intent, and legal correspondence (including letters of demand).
• Provide general legal support across various business areas (not limited to a single industry).
• Coordinate with external counsel and regulatory bodies where required.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks while supporting business operations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Admitted Attorney with minimum 5 years post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Proven litigation experience with strong courtroom skills.
• Solid understanding of arbitration and ADR mechanisms.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational ability to handle multiple matters simultaneously.
• Willingness to commit to long and demanding hours when necessary.
• Ability to draft contracts, letters of intent, letters of demand, etc.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail with a structured approach.
• Professional integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while being a collaborative team player.

For more information please contact:

Siphokazi August

• Lead and manage corporate and commercial litigation matters, including drafting pleadings, opinions, and conducting hearings.
• Advise clients on disputes relating to contractual, shareholder, and corporate governance issues.
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies in line with client objectives.
• Support forensic investigations, including fraud-related disputes, regulatory breaches, and compliance issues.
• Manage client relationships, providing high-quality advice and ensuring service excellence.
• Mentor and supervise junior associates and candidate attorneys within the team.

• Admitted Attorney with at least 3 - 4 years post-admission experience in corporate and commercial litigation.
• Demonstrable forensic experience (fraud, regulatory investigations, compliance disputes) preferred.
• Strong track record of managing complex litigation and arbitration matters.
• Excellent drafting, research, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage deadlines, and handle multiple matters simultaneously.
• Client-focused mindset with proven ability to build strong relationships

Our client, a rapidly scaling fintech business operating across Africa, is seeking a Legal Associate to join their high-performing legal and compliance team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, regulation and finance, supporting the company's growth across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with licensing and regulatory submissions across various regions.
• Support the renewal and compliance of existing licenses and regulatory obligations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and legal documentation.
• Provide corporate governance support, including maintaining company registers and filings.
• Assist with onboarding and managing relationships with banks, PSPs and other financial partners.
• Conduct legal research and ensure alignment with evolving regulatory frameworks.
• Support senior legal counsel on cross-border compliance and corporate matters.

Requirements:

• LLB degree and admission as an attorney.
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience (law firm or in-house).
• Strong understanding of financial services, payments and commercial law.
• Experience in fintech, cross-border regulation, or digital payments highly advantageous.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong drafting skills.
• Confident, proactive and capable of managing work across multiple jurisdictions.

If you're a legally minded professional with a passion for fintech innovation and regulatory complexity, this role offers an exceptional platform to grow within a fast-evolving international environment.

If you haven't heard back from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time. We appreciate the time and effort you've invested in applying for this position and encourage you to keep an eye on our page for future opportunities.

Legal Associate

Location:

Cape Town

Department:

Legal

Reports To:

CLO

Job Type:

Full-time

About Us

We are a fast-scaling fintech business driving innovation in the financial infrastructure space across Africa and beyond. Our team works at the intersection of regulation, technology, and commerce, and we're looking for a detail-oriented Legal Associate to support our legal and compliance function across multiple jurisdictions.

Role Overview

The Legal Associate will play a key role in supporting licensing, regulatory, and commercial legal matters. You will work across jurisdictions on high-impact legal operations, helping ensure that the company remains compliant, well-structured, and contractually protected as it grows. This is a hands-on legal role ideal for a proactive and organised professional with fintech, payments, or cross-border regulatory experience.

Key ResponsibilitiesRegulatory & Licensing

• Assist with the preparation and submission of new license applications across various jurisdictions, liaising with financial regulators as needed.

• Track and support the renewal and ongoing compliance of all licenses in coordination with senior legal and compliance teams.

• Conduct legal research into new regulations or laws that impact the business.

Contracts & Legal Documents

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex legal agreements, including vendor contracts, customer agreements, and technology service terms.

• Assist in the preparation of internal legal documents such as board resolutions, templates, and legal filings.

Corporate & Secretarial Work

• Support the establishment of new legal entities in multiple jurisdictions.

• Maintain company registers, file annual returns, and ensure statutory compliance across the group.

Banking, PSPs & Counterparties

• Assist with onboarding and maintaining relationships with banks, payment service providers, and trading counterparties.

• Prepare and organise legal documentation for counterparty onboarding and due diligence processes.

Regulatory Engagements & Support

• Provide support during engagements with regulators, banking partners, and PSPs.

• Ensure adherence to legal directives and guidelines issued by authorities.

• Provide day-to-day support to the company's senior legal counsel as required.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB).

• Admitted attorney.

• Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience (PQE) in a law firm or in-house legal department.

• Strong grounding in financial services, banking & payments, and contract/commercial law.

• Ability to work independently in both structured and fast-changing environments.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational abilities — must be meticulous.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Comfortable performing both strategic and administrative legal tasks.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Etana is powering South Africa's clean energy transition
— and we're looking for a
Legal Associate
who's sharp, detail-driven, and ready to make an impact.

The renewable energy industry is growing fast, and we're at the forefront, giving businesses access to cost-competitive clean power through the grid. Now we need a legal professional who can help us scale — ensuring our contracts, compliance, and partnerships are watertight as we grow.

You bring the precision.

We bring the mission.

Together, we'll help South Africa decarbonise — contract by contract.

What You'll Do

• Draft, review, and refine NDAs, LOIs, MOUs, and more.
• Support negotiations and manage documentation for customer and generator PPAs.
• Coordinate contract execution — from final reviews to signatures.
• Own documentation and CP management during financial close.
• Maintain an organised, up-to-date repository of contracts.
• Track obligations, milestones, and compliance under PPAs.
• Act as a bridge between commercial, operations, and finance teams.
• Report on contract status, compliance, and risk exposure.
• Stay sharp on regulatory changes shaping the energy sector.

What We're Looking For

• An analytical and solutions-oriented thinker with a proactive mindset.
• Meticulous and process-driven, with a sharp eye for detail.
• Practical and grounded, able to navigate complexity with sound judgment.
• Clear and confident in communication, with the ability to engage across teams.
• Discreet and composed, especially when handling commercially sensitive or high-stakes matters.

What Sets you Apart

• 3+ years' experience in a legal role (attorney or paralegal) — energy or infrastructure sector preferred.
• Familiarity with PPAs (a big plus).
• Strong command of Microsoft Office and contract management tools.

Note

Please attach your CV when applying for the job role