LEGAL ADVISOR – JHB
Legal
Johannesburg – Gauteng
Our client, a well-established retirement fund operating within the financial services and pension fund industry, is seeking an experienced and legally astute Legal Advisor to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity for an admitted attorney with strong pension fund, regulatory and contract law experience to play a pivotal role in guiding the Fund’s legal, statutory and governance obligations.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Counsel & Advice
- Render professional legal advice to ensure all Fund actions and resolutions comply with statutory requirements.
- Provide legal advice on the application of legislative prescripts, including the Fund’s rules.
- Advise internal stakeholders on legal interests, risks and obligations.
- Guide the fiduciary responsibilities of Trustees and management through sound advice.
- Investigate facts, research and apply legal principles to formulate legal opinions and documents.
Contract Management
- Compile and review referred agreements in line with best practice and business requirements.
- Negotiate contract terms in the Fund’s best interests, minimising legal risk.
- Resolve contractual disputes and manage contract exit processes appropriately.
- Maintain an approved, accessible repository and database of all Fund contracts.
Legal & Statutory Administration Oversight
- Oversee the quality and output of the Junior Legal Advisor, including coaching and development.
- Lead legal, taxation and statutory interfaces between the Fund and its stakeholders, in compliance with the Pension Funds Act and associated regulations.
- Maintain adherence to Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) requirements.
- Manage receipt of summonses and court documents, investigate and compile related action-plan reports.
- Draft standard documentation (e.g. acknowledgements of debt, rules and contracts) and resolve member complaints and other disputes.
- Maintain legal records as required by law and manage the Fund attorney database.
- Oversee the rule-book library and update it as necessary; provide input into the annual audit report.
- Manage the section’s budget contribution and reconcile related invoices.
- Lead and participate in Fund committees and strategic initiatives/projects.
Legal Action Management
- Manage litigation processes and support external legal service providers.
- Brief attorneys to institute legal proceedings in defence of the Fund.
- Conduct investigations, prepare case files and draft documentation.
- Represent the Fund at statutory inquiries, administrative or other proceedings as required.
- Evaluate court processes served on the Fund and implement attorneys’ recommendations.
Legislative Compliance
- Draft regulatory updates for Management and Board structures to build regulatory awareness.
- Monitor and assess the Fund’s statutory compliance and follow up to achieve compliance.
- Assess legislative risk and make recommendations to minimise negative impact.
Coordinate training on new pertinent legislation throughout the Fund.
Minimum Education / Training
- LLB, BCom Law, or similar qualification.
- Admitted Attorney (required).
- Registered with relevant professional bodies (advantageous).
Minimum Work Experience
- At least 8 years’ post-admission, job-related legal experience.
Technical Competencies
- Knowledge of Financial Services industry laws (Pension Funds Act, FSRA, etc.) and FSCA regulations/guidance.
- Working knowledge of the regulatory landscape governing retirement fund investments, and the vehicles funds may use to invest.
- Experience with PE deal structures and terms, conducting due diligence and advising on deal terms.
- Strong contract review, drafting and negotiation skills for business and commercial agreements.
- Proficiency in standard software packages (e.g. Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn bespoke systems.
- Excellent negotiation, drafting, analytical and report-writing skills.
- Experience in dispute resolution, litigation management and cost management.
Risk management competence highly recommended.
Please note, if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful. You can however, apply for future vacancies.
