We wish to hire an Associate with at least 1-2 years' post-qualification experience in Employment law, it would also be preferable if the candidate has knowledge of Data Protection law but this is not mandatory.
DLA Piper in South Africa is part of a global organisation with leading Employment and Data Protection teams across multiple jurisdictions thereby providing the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from specialists across other jurisdictions and become involved in cross-border transactions. DLA Piper also has a strong African network with the opportunity to work on multi-jurisdictional matters across Africa.
Global firms need cross-border thinkers and we can provide the platform for you to achieve results you're proud of where you can define the impact you make.
Main duties and responsibilities
Candidates must be able to demonstrate exceptional standards of client service and quality of work within quick turn-around times, as well as experience in taking a proactive role on transactions.
The candidate would be required to have expertise and experience in advising global organisations in relation to the full life cycle of employment as well as providing advice in relation to mergers, restructurings, retrenchments and section 197 transfers. The candidate must have strong drafting skills and be able to draft opinions and agreements of a high quality in quick turn-around times. It would also be an advantage if the candidate has experience with training, litigation and conducting employment-related investigations. We also encourage our team to take part in business development initiatives and write articles and participate in events that showcase our expertise and would be seeking a candidate who shares this passion.
From a data protection perspective, the candidate would need to be able to upskill themselves within a reasonable period to draft and amend documents to ensure that such documents contain appropriate data protection clauses in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013.
About you
We pride ourselves on having a collaborative environment and are looking for approachable but confident lawyers with strong potential. While we do not set upper or lower limits of PQE for any of our vacancies, candidates with at least 1 to 2 years' PQE are likely to have the right level of knowledge and experience needed for this role.
The successful candidate will be highly ambitious and enthusiastic, with a desire to progress their own career from the enviable platform that DLA Piper provides. They will have a background in Employment Law and possess excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail, alongside a real focus on teamwork.
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a qualified lawyer who is admitted as an attorney in South Africa or will be admitted as an attorney in the foreseeable future
- Have strong relevant technical skills, ideally experienced in the types of work described above
- Possess Working knowledge of the South African employment environment
- Have an excellent academic record
- Be able to create and deliver sustainable, high quality client service whilst also considering the client's wider business objectives
- Carry out delegated work efficiently and to the highest quality
- Seek to manage own utilisation in order to meet individual targets
- Take ownership for achieving agreed objectives
- Be client-facing and actively undertake to help drive and support a variety of business development activities - demonstrate the desire to build own reputation and personal brand through client and sector initiatives, internally and externally
- Be commercially astute and stay current on key legal and business news
- Have the ability to work seamlessly across regional and multi-jurisdictional teams and time-zones, as well as effectively work on own initiative
- Have in-depth experience drafting and creating legal documents
- Exhibit behaviour consistent with the firm's values and build relationships based on respect, trust and integrity.
This Role Profile is not designed to be exhaustive and can be varied as required to develop or fulfil this role.
About us
DLA Piper is een internationaal advocatenkantoor met advocaten, notarissen, belastingadviseurs en business professionals, gevestigd in meer dan 40 landen in Europa, Amerika, het Midden-Oosten, Afrika en Azië en Australië. Dit internationale bereik zorgt ervoor dat we bedrijven altijd kunnen ondersteunen in hun juridische behoeften, waar ook ter wereld. Wij streven ernaar om de leading global business law firm te zijn door hoogstaande kwaliteit en service te leveren aan onze cliënten en door praktische en innovatieve juridische oplossingen aan te bieden, die bijdragen aan hun succes. In ons werk staan wij multinationals, Global 1000- en Fortune 500-ondernemingen bij, evenals opkomende (tech-)bedrijven en overheidsinstanties of andere publieke organisaties.
Our values
In alles wat wij doen met en voor onze mensen en cliënten, staan onze waarden centraal:
- Be Supportive – we zijn meedenkend en inclusief, waarderen diversiteit en handelen doordacht;
- Be Collaborative – we zijn proactieve en enthousiaste teamspelers, die investeren in het opbouwen en onderhouden van onze relaties;
- Be Bold – we hebben lef, zijn nieuwsgierig en dagen onszelf uit om groots te denken en nieuwe, creatieve oplossingen te vinden;
- Be Exceptional – we zijn strategisch en gedreven, met als doel om verwachtingen en standaarden te overtreffen.
Diversity and inclusion
Bij DLA Piper liggen diversiteit en inclusie ten grondslag aan de manier waarop we onze waarden naleven. Wij geloven dat iedereen een stem heeft én dat ieders stem telt. We weten dat de diversiteit binnen ons bedrijf ons sterker, innovatiever en creatiever maakt, wat ons helpt onze cliënten beter van dienst te zijn. We hechten daarom grote waarde aan het bieden van een inclusieve werkomgeving en cultuur door onze gehele (internationale) organisatie, waarin iedereen volledig zichzelf kan zijn.
Wij zijn ervan overtuigd dat diversiteit in perspectief, achtergrond en cultuur ons de leading global business law firm maakt; daarom bouwen we actief aan evenwichtige teams. Ieders bijdrage is uniek en welkom en we moedigen daarom actief alle talentvolle mensen aan te solliciteren – ongeacht hoe jouw talent is verpakt en ongeacht jouw achtergrond, situatie of hoe jij je identificeert.
Hybrid working
Wij erkennen dat onze mensen verantwoordelijkheden en interesses buiten hun carrière hebben en dat we, als organisatie, uiteindelijk allemaal baat hebben bij flexibel werken. Graag gaan we daarom met kandidaten in gesprek over de verschillende mogelijkheden waarop hybride werken kan worden ondersteund en vormgegeven.
Pre-engagement screening
Op het moment dat wij jou een aanbod doen, zullen wij – waar relevant en met inachtneming van lokale wetgeving – pre-engagement screening checks uitvoeren, bijvoorbeeld inzake jouw professionele en academische kwalificaties, jouw geschiktheid om in het relevante rechtsgebied te werken, jouw justitiële verleden en werkgerelateerde referenties.
Apply nowRequesting Adjustments
At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.
Agile Working
We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.
Pre-Engagement Screening
In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.
Our hiring approach
Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.
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