Principal Legal Counsel

Overview

The Competition Commission seeks to appoint a highly capable, driven, and ethically grounded professional to serve as Principal Legal Counsel within the Legal Services Division. This role calls for an individual with demonstrated excellence, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to advancing the Commission’s mandate.

A starting annual total cost to company package of R (Negotiable commensurate with experience)

Please note that the position is available on a five-year fixed term contract. May be renewed at the exclusive and sole discretion of the Commission and is subject to the signing of a performance agreement.

The main responsibilities of the incumbent will, inter alia, include:

• To contribute to the planning and execution of the annual performance plan and business plan of the Legal Services Division and to participate in the Commission’s strategic planning processes and committees.
• To manage, supervise and evaluate the performance of a team of legal counsel.
• To provide strategic and substantive guidance on competition cases handled by team members in order to ensure expeditious and effective prosecution of firms that contravene the Competition Act, and effective presentation of mergers and acquisition transactions.
• To provide and supervise the provision of timely and well researched legal advice to the Commission.
• To manage and litigate cases before the Competition Tribunal, Competition Appeal Court, High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.
• To instruct, brief and manage attorneys and counsel representing the Commission.
• To assist in negotiating and concluding consent and settlement agreements; and
• To co-ordinate, facilitate and execute activities to build internal capacity for legal compliance, drafting and litigation.

We are looking for a dynamic, hardworking and a committed individual who meets the following requirements:

• An LLB Degree or equivalent qualification and Admission as an Attorney / Advocate (if Admitted as an Advocate, must have served and completed pupillage).
• 8-10 years post admission experience, of which three (3) years must preferably include management experience.
• Litigation experience, preferably civil and commercial.
• Competition Law experience is an advantage.
• Drafting, analytical and litigation skills.

• Practical work exposure to area of expertise will be further considered to balance against other requirements.