4 Law Firm Intern jobs in South Africa

Senior AML Onboarding Officer - Legal background LLB degree The main purpose of the role is to assist with the following: To assist the Firm with discharging its obligations under the FIC Act; FICA Remediation Projects (including remediating deficient client data and remediation of existing client population); Attend to client reviews (including ad hoc and periodic reviews); Assist junior onboarding officers; Sign-off on certain onboarding matters; Manage the outstanding CDD and EDD requirements with lawyers and secretaries on a monthly basis; Reporting on CDD and EDD matters (progress and status updates); Compiling reports for submission to the Risk and Compliance Committee; Escalate certain matters to the GC, Head of Risk and Compliance and the Risk Committee; Conduct research on AML trends and typologies and propose enhancements to processes and controls; Conduct Country Risk research and update the Country Master Data Tables on a regular basis; Assist the Compliance Risk Manager and General Counsel, Head of Risk and Compliance with general AML portfolio management; Conducting AML Typology research and trends on a regular basis and assist with the review and maintenance of the RBA Framework; and Conducting country risk research and updating the Firm's Country Risk Master Data Table on a regular basis. The key responsibilities and duties: Accurately capture client data on the onboarding system; Conduct CDD in respect of clients; Conduct ad hoc and periodic reviews on existing client population; Conduct research in respect of various sources (eg CIPC, Department of Home Affairs, Who owns Whom, etc); Conduct Country Risk research and update the Country Master Data Table on a regular basis; Analyse sanctions, PEP and adverse media alerts on the system when onboarding clients and conducting client reviews. Distinguish between 'False Positives' and 'True Matches'; Conduct EDD in respect of high-risk clients (including summarising adverse media reports, PEP assessments and review of sanctions against individuals, entities and countries); Prepare EDD templates for high-risk clients and submit same to the Risk Committee for consideration. Action the decision of the Risk Committee; Liaise with lawyers and secretaries to obtain outstanding CDD and EDD information; Attend to daily alerts raised by the onboarding system once ongoing screening is implemented to determine whether or not they are 'false positives'; Ensure that CDD information is current when new matters are opened for existing clients. Update existing clients' CDD information and re-screen and re-rate existing clients with new matters; Analyse constitutive documents of entity type clients, share registers, shareholder agreements, etc. in order to determine the BOs for entity type clients and document evidence in respect of same; Ensure that regulatory reporting, eg. Cash Threshold Reports (CTRs) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) are lodged within the prescribed time-frames; Assist with the development and maintenance of the Firm's internal screening list; Ensure that all onboarding and reviews comply with the Firm's RMCP; Develop AML training material and facilitate training sessions; Compile reports for the HoD and the Risk and Compliance Committee; and Assist with various AML compliance projects and any other AML-related tasks as assigned. Qualifications and experience: Qualifications: LLB Degree. An admitted attorney with at least 4 years' experience in an AML / FICA compliance environment or in any compliance risk management environment; or Qualifications or knowledge of the following subjects are advantageous: Anti-money laundering certificates or ACAMS qualification; or Post-Graduate Diploma in Compliance or Certificate in compliance; or Risk Management qualification. Personal attributes Good presentation skills; Above average attention to detail; Good time management and problem-solving skills; Must have an analytical mind; and more importantly have the ability to devise solutions to problems / shortcomings; Ability to work under pressure. Candidates must have experience in onboarding large corporate clients with complex ownership structures. Other experience required: For the legal candidate, it must be an admitted attorney. Any other experience (eg legal advisor, general compliance, other AML role (ie excluding onboarding), risk role, etc) Recruiters to provide the following information with original CVs: Matric and university transcripts; and Salary and bonuses. *PLEASE ONLY REPLY IF YOU MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS*

Employer Description

An established law firm with offices in the East Rand and the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.

Job Description

Our client has two vacancies for a seasoned and experienced litigation attorney at their offices in the East Rand and northern Johannesburg. The successful candidate will primarily undertake work for municipalities and state-owned companies; experience servicing these types of entities will be a significant advantage.

You will be responsible for:

• Managing a diverse caseload involving civil, administrative and regulatory litigation for public entities.
• Drafting, reviewing, and finalising legal documents, including pleadings, motions, affidavits, discovery requests, and settlement agreements.
• Conducting thorough legal research on statutes, regulations, case law and policies relevant to municipal and state-owned entity litigation.
• Appearing regularly in court, including the High Court and Magistrates Court, for opposed motions, trials, and procedural hearings.
• Ensuring compliance with procedural rules, filing deadlines and ethical/legal standards.
• Providing expert legal advice to municipalities and state-owned companies on litigation strategy, risk mitigation and dispute resolution.
• Interpreting legislation, public procurement laws, administrative law and constitutional matters affecting public entities.
• Advising clients on governance, regulatory compliance, contracts, service delivery disputes and enforcement actions.
• Utilising electronic case management systems such as Caselines and Court Online for filings and document management.
• Drafting legal opinions, pleadings and correspondence independently, without the need for counsel input.
• Maintain detailed case files, billing records and manage administrative tasks as per firm and client requirements.
• Mentor and support junior attorneys and legal staff, fostering professional development.
• Liaise effectively with clients to provide updates, strategic recommendations and manage expectations.
• Demonstrate a strong presence in court, possessing the right of appearance at the High Court and consistent experience in opposed matters.
• Maintain a professional demeanour, uphold good character and build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Stay updated on legal developments affecting municipalities and state-owned companies to provide informed advice.

Qualifications

• LLB Degree
• Admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
• Right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa
• 6 to 8 years post-qualification experience (PQE)

Skills

The successful candidate will have:

• 6 to 8 years post-qualification experience.
• Proven litigation skills, particularly at both magistrates courts and the High Court.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with the High Court Rules, Caselines, and Court Online.
• Right of appearance at the High Court is essential, with experience appearing at the High Court or consistent attendance at magistrates courts for opposed matters.
• Strong drafting skills for all pleadings, as well as research and opinion drafting without the need for counsel.
• Good character and the ability to maintain positive relationships with clients and the team.

Preference will be given to EE candidates, although all suitable applicants will be considered. The position is open to both female and male candidates.