In-house Legal Counsel at Merchant West

Role Purpose:

• The In-House Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advisory and support across Merchant West to ensure that all business activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal governance frameworks. The role involves reviewing and drafting contracts, managing legal risks, and supporting strategic transactions and business initiatives.  The In-House Legal Counsel plays a key role in safeguarding the organisation by identifying and mitigating legal risks, ensuring sound contractual practices, and advising stakeholders on legal and regulatory matters. The role works closely with executive leadership, business units, and external legal advisors to enable commercially sound decision-making while protecting Merchant West’s interests.

Main Accountabilities:

Legal Advisory and Business Support

• Provide legal support to the business by offering guidance on agreement vetting, legal opinions, third‑party negotiations, and ad hoc legal queries.
• Facilitate efficient client onboarding by offering practical legal guidance, alternatives, and solutions.
• Foster collaboration and maintain strong working relationships across all departments and associates.
• Perform ad hoc legal tasks and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Contract Management and Drafting

• Provide legal support to the business by offering guidance on agreement vetting, legal opinions, third‑party negotiations, and ad hoc legal queries.
• Facilitate efficient client onboarding by offering practical legal guidance, alternatives, and solutions.
• Foster collaboration and maintain strong working relationships across all departments and associates.
• Perform ad hoc legal tasks and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Risk Management and Legal Compliance

• Review and assess legal and credit files for exposures classified as High Risk, participating in their management through meetings, payout approvals, and collections oversight.
• Provide oversight and guidance on security perfection processes, ensuring compliance across internal and external stakeholders.
• Advise on collateral‑related risks and compliance requirements, including swaps, terminations, registrations, and releases.
• Ensure all legal documentation and processes align with internal governance frameworks and approved credit mandates.

Regulatory and Governance Support

• Ensure legal documentation standards remain aligned with regulatory requirements and corporate legal frameworks.
• Maintain audit‑ready legal files, collateral records, and document trails.
• Report on legal matters and governance‑related risks, including monthly updates on outstanding and overdue collateral.
• Support internal governance through accurate record‑keeping and alignment with compliance expectations.

Litigation and Dispute Management

• Develop and implement litigation strategies aimed at maximising recoveries in a cost‑effective manner.
• Liaise with external attorneys, liquidators, and business rescue practitioners on disputes, legal claims, and matters involving distressed clients.
• Participate in managing high‑risk files, including legal escalations, collections processes, and dispute resolution efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advisory

• Engage proactively with internal stakeholders, including Credit, Collections, Sales, and Executive teams, to resolve legal matters.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders such as attorneys, suppliers, clients, and service providers to ensure progress and resolution of legal issues.
• Provide clear, practical legal guidance to non‑legal stakeholders to support decision‑

Process Improvement and Legal Efficiency

• Proactively manage the perfection of security by coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to streamline processes.
• Strengthen efficiency and accuracy through improved legal workflows, document templates, and vetting processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across legal procedures, reporting processes, and support mechanisms..

Qualifications:

• LLB degree (Bachelor of Laws).
• Admitted Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• Postgraduate qualification in Law, Corporate Law, or Commercial Law would be advantageous.

Experience:

• 1 - 3 years post-admission experience in a corporate, financial services, or commercial legal environment.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements and contracts.
• Providing legal advisory support to business units and executive stakeholders.
• Managing legal risk, compliance, and governance within an organisation.
• Exposure to financial services regulations, corporate law, and regulatory frameworks.
• Engaging with external legal counsel and managing disputes or litigation.

Skills

• Commercial contract drafting and negotiation
• Legal advisory and risk management
• Regulatory and compliance knowledge
• Corporate governance and policy development
• Legal research and interpretation
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Dispute resolution and litigation management
• Legal document management and reporting

Competencies:

• Commercial judgement and business acumen
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Decision making and risk assessment
• Communication and influencing capability
• Integrity and ethical judgement
• Accountability and ownership
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complexity