Johannesburg: Legal Counsel posted by Fempower Personnel

Purpose of the job
To provide strategic leadership in managing and protecting IP Portfolio. To oversee and enhance the contracts portfolio, ensuring all agreements are aligned with the companys goals, to develop and implement comprehensive legal strategies across all areas of the business; and to ensure regulatory compliance by monitoring legal developments and guiding the company accordingly.

Required outputs: Functional

• Guide IP development in technical projects to ensure the company’s intellectual property aligns with strategic goals and is well-protected throughout its lifecycle.
• Manage the company’s IP portfolio, from identification to the end of the lifecycle, ensuring that all IP assets are properly registered, maintained, and enforced.
• Develop and implement the IP strategy, including the use of marketing instruments such as trademarks to protect and promote the company’s brand.
• Formulate and execute efficient offence and defence legal strategies to safeguard the company’s interests.
• Responsible for the effective management of legal department.
• Develop, implement, and review all company policies to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and laws.
• Monitor the ever-changing legal landscape, proactively implementing measures to ensure the company remains compliant with new regulations.
• Conduct regular audits of the entire contracts portfolio to ensure compliance with legal and company standards.
• Draft, review, and approve contracts to ensure they are legally sound and align with the companys strategic goals.

Qualifications and expertise required (Must)

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent
• At least 8 years of experience in Patent and Design Law, and general Intellectual Property law, contract law, and regulatory compliance
• Engineering qualification (Electronics/Electrical) would be advantageous
• Knowledge of litigation processes
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks
• Resilience under pressure and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Superior communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• A strong commercial acumen and understanding of the business environment
• Proficiency in using legal and business tools such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and legal research databases