In-House Legal Counsel – Advocate of the High Court Job at Oza Holdings

Purpose of the role:

• To provide expert in-house legal support to the organisation by managing litigation matters, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, and advising on a wide range of legal and regulatory issues. The role ensures that the company’s operations are legally compliant, risks are minimised, and strategic objectives are supported through sound legal guidance.

Key Responsibilities:

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:

• Manage and oversee litigation matters, including High Court cases, labour disputes, and regulatory actions.
• Prepare and review legal pleadings, affidavits, and related documents.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings where appropriate.
• Provide legal opinions and strategic input on litigation risk and potential outcomes.

Contract Drafting & Oversight:

•  Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including supply, procurement, service, sales, and confidentiality contracts.
•  Ensure all contracts are legally sound, aligned with business strategy, and comply with company policies.
•  Advise operational teams on contract interpretation, risks, and implementation.
•  Maintain standard contract templates and update them in line with legislative and business changes. 

Legal Advisory & Compliance:

• Provide practical legal advice to business units on issues relating to commercial law, mining law, labour, regulatory compliance, and environmental law.
• Monitor legislative developments relevant to the mining and manufacturing industry and communicate implications to the business.
• Assist with drafting and implementing internal legal policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Support internal investigations and audits from a legal perspective.

Risk Management & Governance:

• Identify legal risks in business operations and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to good corporate governance and ensure the organisation adheres to statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Provide legal input into strategic and operational decision-making processes.

Minimum Requirements:

• LLB degree (LLM advantageous).
• Admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
• Minimum 5 years post-admission experience in litigation and commercial legal work.
• Prior legal experience within mining, manufacturing, or a similar heavy industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to handle High Court litigation and complex contractual matters.

Competencies & Skills

• Excellent knowledge of South African commercial, civil, labour, and regulatory law.
• Strong legal drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and commercially astute.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism.