Legal Advisor: Litigation

SUMMARY:
We are currently seeking an experienced Legal Advisor who has a completed LLB degree and who is an admitted Attorney in South Africa for our client

POSITION INFO:

• Investigate viability of summonsing defaulting clients pre-handover.
• Resolve disputes and explore settlement options before pursuing legal action.
• Strategize with head of legal on most effective way to proceed against defaulting clients with a view to collecting all outstanding amounts and minimizing legal costs.
• Coordinate new instructions for attorneys on money judgment applications, issuing of summons and other court proceedings.
• Prepare legal cases or documents for collection proceedings .
• Developer and manage legal assistance and casework.
• Maintain accurate records of all collection activities and communications in the system.
• Act as a liaison between clients, head of legal, external legal counsel, and internal teams to facilitate smooth communication regarding collections and legal matters.
• Support and advise the legal and collections teams by managing documentation,
• conducting research, and facilitating the collection of outstanding debts. This role requires a strong understanding of legal processes related to collections and lending.
• Manage the collections process, including contacting clients for overdue payments and negotiating payment arrangements.
• Verify legalities before accepting settlement proposals (e.g. drafting AODs, settlement agreements etc).
• Monitor AOD and settlement payments.
• Ensure all disputes are resolved and proposals align with company policy.
• Negotiating best deals/settlements.
• Ensure attorneys have necessary documentation for court disclosure.
• Drafting of first drafts of pleadings.
• Facilitate discussions between attorneys regarding strategy.
• Developing and recommending new litigation strategies.
• Implementing, managing, overseeing and reporting all actions and motions implemented.
• Diary management of case and legal matters.
• Prepare detailed reports in line with company policies, including bad debt provisions and legal costs.
• Ensure compliance with write-o@ policies and timely audits.

• An LLB degree and admission as an Attorney, with at least 3-5 years PQE of robust experience in commercial litigation.
• In-depth understanding of the litigation process in South Africa, including Magistrate and High Courts, alongside specialized knowledge in the SME funding space and business to business (B2B) lending environment.
• Litigation experience essential. Drafting of pleadings, notices, documents without supervision.
• Strong insight into managing and monitoring legal risks, with proven experience in business rescue, liquidations, and collections.
• Ability to negotiate with defaulting clients on payment plans and settlements.
• Strong administrative and managerial skills.