Legal Counsel at Absa

An opportunity has become available for a Qualified Lawyer / Attorney to join our Group Legal team in managing legal key risk and to contribute to the development of the Legal Function. The role will primarily focus on providing legal support and advice to the our retail and business banking divisions, including taking responsibility for transaction documentation, assisting with product development and providing specific advice in response to business queries as well as queries from other stakeholders. The candidate will also have the opportunity to work on significant firm-wide projects which arise in the team from to time to time.

The ideal candidate will have Very strong interpersonal and  communication skills, Business awareness, prioritisation of risk and strong commercial focus

Other responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Ensure the bank’s legal and regulatory position is managed effectively in all situations in which legal disputes or regulatory issues arise, at all times safeguarding Absa’s reputation.
• Identify and articulate risks associated with proposed transactions, projects and activities that the business intends to undertake.
• Provide a clear record of relevant business transactions and legal advice given that effectively mitigates legal risk.
• Assist in structuring, negotiating & drafting legal agreements and documentation relating to standard agreements, transactions and new products
• Give legal advice on transactions or deals to be done, or transactions that have been concluded
• Provide stakeholders with legal advice, support and legal solutions
• Evaluate, manage and prioritise tasks in accordance with business need
• Attend to ad hoc reports as requested by the Head, such as reports required by EXCO.

Qualification and  Experience

• Junior lawyer, ideally 2-5years’ PQE
• Experience of working in a highly regulated, fast paced environment, where there are often competing demands
• Some in house experience would be preferred
• B Comm Law and LLB; or B A Law and LLB; or B Juris and LLB; BProc or LLB