Junior Legal and Risk Counsel at Robert Walters

Purpose of the Role

• A commercial legal, risk and insurance role supporting the Head of Legal & Risk across contract management, insurance, claims, risk management, governance and regulatory compliance.

Minimum Requirements

• LLB Degree (essential)
• Completed articles or equivalent experience in a corporate, commercial legal, risk or compliance environment
• Good drafting and contract interpretation skills
• Understanding of international legal frameworks in the logistics industry advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines in high-volume environment.

Advantageous

• Exposure to commercial law or contract drafting.
• Logistics / supply chain / maritime industry exposure.

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Document Support

Assist the Head of Legal & Risk by reviewing, negotiating, amending and, where required, drafting commercial, operational and corporate documentation, including:

• Service Level Agreements, Master Service Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, joint venture, acquisition and sale agreements.
• Lease, finance and security agreements, including loan agreements, guarantees, suretyships, pledges and cessions.
• Confidentiality, intellectual property and data protection documentation, including NDAs, trademark-related matters and related agreements.
• Internal policies, procedures, trading terms and conditions and other compliance documentation.
• Reviewing third-party and customer contract templates, identifying legal, commercial and insurance risks, recommending amendments and participating in contractual negotiations where required.

Legal Risk Management

Support the Head of Legal & Risk by:

• collating information and documentation for disputes and litigation and liaising with external attorneys and stakeholders as required.
• managing the day to day contract approval process across business units under the Marine Liability Insurance Programme, including assessment of contractual liabilities, liaison with brokers and business stakeholders, and escalation of material matters to the Head of Legal & Risk where appropriate.

Regulatory Compliance and Advisory

Provide legal support and draft memos (for review by Head of Legal & Risk) on various legislation which includes:

• National Ports Act and transport related legislation
• International maritime conventions
• NEMA, NEMWA and other environmental legislation
• Labour legislation such as the LRA, EEA and OHSA
• POPIA, sanctions and anti-corruption legislation
• Commercial statutes such as Companies Act and Competition and Tax Laws
• Stay updated with changes in legislation and their impact on business operations. In addition, support Head of Legal & Risk to develop, implement, and update internal policies and procedures for compliance and risk management, aligned to internal policies.

Legal Research and Training Support

• Conduct legal research and prepare draft memos (for review by Head of Legal & Risk) for management and for business units.

Insurance, Risk Management and Transaction Support

• Support the management of the Marine Liability Insurance Programme and the Group-led insurance programmes, including contractual risk assessments, policy interpretation and communication of insurance requirements to business units.
• Coordinate processes and meetings with external stakeholders in connection with insurance renewals and claims and administration of cell captives.
• Support major projects, acquisitions and business development initiatives with legal due diligence.
• Participate in risk committee meetings and support the implementation and monitoring of the operational risk management program, including maintenance of risk registers, monitoring mitigation actions and liaison with insurance brokers.

Administrative

• Maintain registers pertaining to contracts, ethics and training declarations and trademark renewals.
• Analyse and report on claims, survey and risk trends, including preparation of management and committee reports.
• Attend and take minutes at relevant meetings

Governance Support

• Assist with corporate governance matters including Board resolutions and statutory, records.

Key Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and sound judgement.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Ability to analyse legal, contractual, insurance and risk-related issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Professionalism, integrity and discretion.
• Ability to work independently while recognising when to escalate matters.
• Team-oriented, with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.