Remote Senior Legal Counsel - M&A and Corporate Governance

About the Role

Our client is a leading international entity seeking a highly accomplished Senior Legal Counsel with a specialization in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Corporate Governance to join their fully remote legal team. This is a critical, remote-first role, offering the successful candidate the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, provided they have a stable internet connection and can effectively collaborate with a distributed team. The position demands extensive experience in managing complex M&A transactions from inception to completion, advising on intricate corporate structuring, and upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. You will be instrumental in safeguarding the company's legal interests and contributing to its strategic growth objectives.

This role requires an individual who is self-motivated, adept at managing diverse legal challenges independently, and committed to delivering exceptional legal support in a virtual environment. The opportunity provides significant autonomy and the chance to influence key legal decisions on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation, and drafting of transaction agreements (e.g., Share Purchase Agreements, Asset Purchase Agreements).
• Provide expert advice on corporate law, securities law, and corporate governance best practices to the board of directors and executive management.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust corporate governance frameworks, policies, and procedures across the organization.
• Oversee statutory compliance and corporate secretarial functions for various subsidiaries, ensuring adherence to local and international regulations.
• Advise on capital raising activities, stock exchange listings, and other corporate finance matters.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel, investment bankers, and other advisors involved in transactions.
• Conduct legal risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for all corporate activities.
• Handle post-closing integration of acquired entities and provide ongoing legal support for corporate restructuring.
• Foster a culture of ethical conduct and legal compliance throughout the organization, delivering training where necessary.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 10 years of relevant post-admission experience, with a significant focus on M&A and corporate law.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing and closing complex, cross-border M&A transactions.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate governance principles, stock exchange regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and standard office software.
• Experience advising publicly listed companies is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement, offering maximum flexibility.
• Highly competitive annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Allowance for home office setup and ongoing expenses.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and virtual training.
• Be part of a globally recognized and forward-thinking legal team.