Legal Counsel

Cape Town, South Africa Posted on 23/02/2026

• Location Type Hybrid (Part office, Part remote)
• Job Type Permanent
• Remuneration Term Per Month
• Date Opened 23/02/2026
• State/Province Western Cape
• City/Town Cape Town
• Country South Africa

A legal and financial services provider with offices in London and Cape Town is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its in-house legal team. This role is primarily focused on the preparation, management, and enforcement of debt recovery claims through formal arbitration proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.

The successful candidate will work closely with a team of in-house lawyers, supporting complex cross-border matters and ensuring claims are strategically prepared, legally sound, and effectively enforced.

The role is based in Cape Town, with flexibility to work remotely (from home), from the office, and from the client's office.

• The identification and preparation of matters for enforcement, including the compilation of all necessary documentation and evidence required for formal legal proceedings (CIArb arbitration in London and court action in various jurisdictions across the globe).
• The drafting of arbitral pleadings and supporting documentation, as well as the management of the arbitral process.
• Liaising with international arbitrators and providing written submissions and responses to queries as part of the litigious process.
• Negotiating settlements and payment plans with delinquent borrowers.
• Assisting in various track and trace processes and conducting public (social media) profile monitoring of delinquent borrowers.
• Keeping up to date with all laws and regulations relevant to enforcement.
• Ensuring all case and borrower folders are properly populated and continually updated for efficient record-keeping purposes.
• Generalad hocassistance to the wider legal team.

• An admitted lawyer who is qualified in South Africa.
• Around 5 years' legal experience gained at a reputable law firm or ALSP, or in-house at a bank, fintech, financial services company or lending business.
• Strong litigation and/or arbitration experience.
• Smart, curious, enquiring and innovative in working with a unique global enforcement model.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with a proven ability to draft exceptional legal pleadings, letters and other formal and informal communications.
• Strong research and analytical skills to digest and summarise legislation and regulations.
• High level of confidence and the ability to take initiative and work autonomously in a high-performing, professional team.
• Problem solving aptitude and critical thinking ability.
• Highly organised, able to prioritise and anticipate future obstacles.
• Someone who thrives on high-energy work with the ability to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines.
• Confident, independent and decisive.
• Quick learner, eager to pick up new skills and support a growing business.
• Proactive, with plenty of initiative to overcome the challenges that constantly arise in an innovative, growth business.
• Strong team player with the ability to establish a high degree of credibility within a global organisation.
• Resilient, flexible, energetic and able to work hard under sometimes stressful conditions to deliver against deadlines.
• Capable of adapting to changing priorities in line with business and organisational needs.
• Discreet and professional.
• Interested in fintech, global financial markets and actively follow financial trends and innovation.