Legal Advisor - Trade Finance - Sandton

Our client is seeking an experienced in-house Legal Advisor to join their dynamic team. This high-level role involves providing comprehensive legal support for a Trade Finance Private Credit Fund, including drafting and reviewing legal documents, conducting necessary legal work, and offering general counsel to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. The ideal candidate will bring a strong legal background, exceptional analytical skills, and a proactive approach to navigate the complexities of the finance sector. If you are looking to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

General Legal Matters:

• Draft and execute other legal documentation required by the business incl. confidentiality agreements, contracts of engagement etc.
• Provide guidance on content of the relevant agreements, structuring & implementation of deals, enforcement procedures and practical implications thereof.

Briefing & liaising with external counsel, and regarding implementation of deals and enforcement:

• Understand and interpret relevant legislation. Provide recommendations where necessary.
• Advise management, credit committees and Portfolio Managers on complex fund, mandate and legal queries with respect to the operation of the fund and/or underlying transactions.
• Provide input into legal strategies and the practical application & operation thereof. Support all litigious matters of the fund.
• Advise on general regulatory issues.

Advise and assist with all stages of trade finance transactions:

• Advise Portfolio Managers on all legal matters relating to underlying transactions.
• Draft, vet and negotiate complex finance and security agreements, terms sheets and ancillary documentation for various transactions (whether under English Law, South African Law or other jurisdictions).
• Assist in developing bespoke structures and mechanisms for deals and provide advice & opinions in the structuring of the transactions while being mindful of the legal and regulatory implications and parameters.
• Assist the Portfolio Managers in their engagements, be it at deal initiation phase, deal approval, deal negotiation, financial close, post financial close or in respect of default.

Corporate Legal Strategy:

• Develop and lead corporate legal strategy to promote and protect the company's matters.
• Oversee delivery of legal services and resources to accomplish corporate goals, strategies and priorities.
• Advise senior managers and directors on a variety of legal issues.
• Participate in the formulation of general policies as a member of the legal team.

Experience and Qualifications:

• BA / BCom Law Degree with LLB.
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• 4+ years post articles legal experience in banking & trade finance.
• Pro-active, diligent and deadline driven.
• Effective planning & organising.
• Dissemination and/or negotiation of legal documentation and processes of a complex nature.
• Adept at networking & building long term relationships.
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
• Thorough trade finance knowledge.
• Financial Industry Regulatory Framework.
• Advanced Microsoft Word & Excel.