Junior Partner (Litigation lawyer)

Contact person for this position:

Rayleen Lentz

rayleen@joblinkplacement.co.za

Website: www.joblinkplacement.co.za

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Junior Partner in the Dispute Resolution Practice will play a key role in driving the firm’s litigation and conflict resolution offering. The role requires technical expertise in managing complex disputes, a proven ability to generate and retain clients, and leadership in developing high-performing legal teams. The Junior Partner will focus on litigation, arbitration, mediation, and regulatory disputes, while contributing to the firm’s growth strategy, reputation, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Dispute Resolution Practice Leadership

• Lead and manage high-value and complex dispute matters across commercial, civil, and regulatory domains.
• Represent clients in the High Court, Labour Court, arbitration tribunals, and mediation forums, ensuring effective advocacy and legal strategy.
• Draft, review, and settle pleadings, opinions, and contracts in line with South African court rules and firm standards.
• Develop innovative, cost-effective dispute resolution strategies aligned with client objectives.

Client & Business Development

• Build and maintain a strong client base in key industries (e.g., financial services, construction, energy, aviation, healthcare).
• Grow a sustainable practice by achieving and exceeding fee generation targets (billed and banked).
• Drive new business opportunities through tenders, panel appointments, and client relationship initiatives.
• Position the firm as a leader in dispute resolution by contributing to thought leadership, publications, and conferences.

Team Development & Supervision

• Mentor and guide Associates and Candidate Attorneys in dispute resolution practice skills.
• Oversee the drafting, research, and case preparation work of junior lawyers to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Encourage knowledge-sharing within the team by contributing to internal training and precedent development.

Firm Management & Strategy

• Contribute to practice group strategy, ensuring alignment with firm-wide goals.
• Ensure compliance with Legal Practice Council (LPC) rules, BCEA, and LRA in all work and staff management.
• Participate in Exco/Partnership meetings, providing input on operations, risk, and client service models.
• Assist in financial management, reporting, and operational decision-making for the practice group.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• LLB degree (minimum), admission as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• At least 10 years post-qualification experience (PQE) with a focus on dispute resolution and litigation.
• Proven track record in handling complex litigation and arbitration matters independently.
• Demonstrated ability to generate and retain clients in dispute resolution.
• Prior supervisory experience within a law firm environment.
• Registration in good standing with the Legal Practice Council (LPC).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong advocacy and courtroom presence, with excellent litigation strategy skills.
• In-depth understanding of South African court rules, arbitration frameworks, and mediation processes.
• Commercial and client-focused mindset with the ability to deliver practical solutions.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Leadership and mentoring ability with commitment to team growth.
• Resilience, integrity, and ability to manage high-pressure disputes effectively

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