Legal Advisor | Sanlam

As a Legal Advisor, your primary responsibilities revolve around providing legal counsel and support to Sanlam Private Wealth (SPW). This includes drafting and reviewing agreements, offering legal advice on financial transactions, ensuring compliance with statutory and common law, managing incidents and litigation, and maintaining efficient legal processes to mitigate risks. Additionally, you will standardize agreements, collaborate with internal stakeholders, and stay updated on legislative developments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drafting and Reviewing Agreements:
   • Prepare and review various agreements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
   • Standardize agreements and develop templates to streamline processes.
2. Legal Advice and Research:
   • Provide legal guidance on financial transactions and related matters.
   • Research and offer opinions on legal issues concerning financial markets, including regulatory compliance and derivative instruments.
3. Incident Management and Litigation:
   • Handle client matters, incident management, and litigation processes effectively.
   • Liaise with external counsel when necessary and manage briefing processes.
4. Risk Management and Compliance:
   • Identify and report legal risks to the Sanlam Investment Group Head of Legal.
   • Ensure the implementation of efficient legal processes to manage risks effectively.
5. Client Relationship Management:
   • Implement client evaluation programs to measure the performance of the legal team and ensure client satisfaction.

Key Success Factors

• Exceptional Drafting and Communication Skills: Ability to draft clear and concise legal documents and communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of Legal and Financial Systems: Understanding of South African legal, financial, and taxation systems, including relevant legislation applicable to the financial services industry.
• Commercial Instincts: Strong commercial acumen and understanding of industry-specific transaction documentation.
• Qualification and Experience: LLB degree, admission as an attorney of the high court, and at least 5 years’ experience as a practicing commercial attorney at a senior level.
• Personal Qualities: Strong numerical orientation, organizational skills, attention to detail, critical thinking ability, resilience under pressure, excellent interpersonal skills, pro-active approach, and passion for achieving results.

As a Legal Advisor at Sanlam Private Wealth, your role is crucial in providing sound legal counsel, ensuring compliance, and managing legal risks to support the organization’s objectives effectively.