Legal Advisor: Technology: Job Grade: 11: SLS: Legal Services: Bellville at Sanlam Group

Core Tasks:

• To provide expert legal advice and support on information technology, data protection, cyber security and digital transformation initiatives within the financial services environment. The legal advisor will manage risk, enable innovation across insurance, investment, retirement funds and other financial products.
• Draft, review and negotiate IT-related contracts including Master Services, software licensing, SaaS, cloud services, outsourcing and vendor agreements
• Advise on intellectual property rights, licensing structures and technology procurement
• Advise on data governance, cross-border data transfers, and privacy impact assessments
• Provide legal input on cybersecurity policies, incident response plans and regulatory reporting obligations
• Support risk mitigation strategies for digital platforms and fintech solutions
• Advise on legal aspects of digital products, platforms, and services including robo-advisory, mobile apps, and AI-driven tools
• Support legal enablement of fintech business transactions.
• Analyse disputes; consider, negotiate, implement and manage appropriate solutions.
• Consider practical and cost-effective alternatives, risks and trends.
• Consider short- and long-term implications of impending regulatory amendments, as well as implications for the business.
• Negotiate, draft and vet all required legal agreements including but not limited to binders, outsourcing, intermediary agreements, SLA’s, re-insurance agreements, data sharing agreements, NDA’s, joint venture agreements, cross-border transactional agreements.
• Research, prepare and draft legal opinions required as required.
• Assist with risk and savings and retirement fund product matters.
• Represent Sanlam at required internal and external stakeholder engagements.
• Drafting AI usage policies, monitoring usage and keeping abreast of relevant legal developments
• Providing legal advice in meetings.
• Identifying problems and providing solutions in respect of tech-related matters.
• Draft, review and vet complex legal documents, including contracts.
• Interpreting legislation and advise on the impact of legislation on the business.
• Assisting with reviewing contracts and responding to internal queries.
• Mentor junior legal advisors.

What will make you successful in this role?

Role Requirements:

Qualifications:

• LLB or higher Law degree
• Admitted Attorney or Advocate

Experience:

•  At least 5 to 7 years’ experience (3 – 5 years post admission)
• At least 3 years’ relevant experience within the financial services, fintech or technology industry
• Strong background in IT contracting, data protection and regulatory advisory
• Experience in an in-house team or advising clients on technology related matters

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Good knowledge of legislation impacting Sanlam Life including the FSRA, Insurance Act and Prudential Standards, Retirement funds legislation, FAIS Act and Code of Conduct.
• Sound knowledge of legal research and writing of legal opinions.
• Good knowledge of litigation and ADR processes.
• Computer skills (MS Office)

Closing date: 26 September 2025