Commercial Lawyer – Private Equity & Advisory

About the role

We are looking for a detail‑oriented Commercial Lawyer with strong post‑qualification experience to join an investment and advisory firm that specialises in private equity, real estate, infrastructure and energy funds. The role combines high‑quality legal drafting, advisory work and practice‑management responsibilities in a fast‑paced, multi‑jurisdictional environment.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, contracts, trust deeds, shareholder agreements and corporate documents.
• Provide specialist advice on South African and international tax matters, including cross‑border tax planning and compliance.
• Prepare documentation for trust structures, family enterprise succession, asset protection and wealth preservation.
• Support contract negotiations, settlement agreements and commercial dispute resolution.
• Conduct legal research and due diligence with a focus on risk identification.
• Collaborate with internal corporate, fiduciary, compliance and tax teams as well as external counsel across jurisdictions.
• Contribute to client advisory on aviation‑related matters such as registration, financing and operations.
• Assist with regulatory compliance, including Mauritius FSC requirements and cross‑border economic substance rules.
• Oversee day‑to‑day practice operations, client onboarding, resource utilisation and service standards.
• Mentor junior team members on drafting standards and best practices.

Required profile

• Post‑qualification experience in commercial law with a focus on South African and English law.
• Strong knowledge of international and South African tax, trusts and wealth structuring.
• Experience in contract negotiations and settlements.
• Interest or experience in aviation law is a distinct advantage.
• Ability to manage practice operations and maintain high professional standards.

Required skills

• South African law
• English law
• International tax law
• South African tax law
• Trust and wealth structuring
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Aviation law (registration, financing, operations)
• Regulatory compliance (Mauritius FSC, economic substance rules)