Legal Advisor at Nedbank

Job Purpose

• To provide legal advice and support the mitigation of litigation risk across the Group.

Job Responsibilities
Litigation Support

• Assist senior legal advisors and the Head of Litigation with all litigation matters.
• Provide litigation strategy by assessing case merits, identifying legal risks, and recommending appropriate courses of action to protect the organisation’s interests. This includes: 
• Developing litigation plans and timelines.
• Advising on settlement strategies and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options.
• Aligning litigation tactics with broader business and reputational objectives.
• Manage litigation invoices and liaise with external legal service providers (attorneys and advocates).
• Provide legal advice and support on litigation-related matters to internal stakeholders.
• Report on litigation and legal risk matters through structured risk reports and presentations.

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Provide legal advice to support business in achieving its risk and compliance objectives.
• Develop, manage, and implement legal risk policies, procedures, and practices.
• Respond to ad hoc legal and risk-related queries from internal stakeholders.
• Support the Group Legal Strategy through proactive legal risk management and governance.
• Optimise the risk management performance of the organisation by identifying, recommending, and executing legal risk strategies within the Group’s defined risk appetite.

Research & Compliance

• Conduct legal research and stay abreast of relevant legislation, case law, and court directives.
• Ensure compliance with legal, governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Embed a strong risk culture by promoting awareness and adherence to legal risk protocols.
• Liaise with regulators and industry bodies on litigation matters with broader compliance or reputational implications.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure satisfaction and timely delivery of legal services.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel to ensure quality and cost-effective service delivery.
• Provide training and awareness sessions on legal risk and compliance matters.
• Participate in corporate responsibility initiatives aligned with business strategy (e.g., Green Strategy).

Process Improvement & Transformation

• Identify and recommend improvements to legal and business processes, models, and systems.
• Drive transformation goals by participating in organisational culture-building initiatives (e.g., staff surveys).
• Obtain buy-in for new or enhanced legal processes by demonstrating value to stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for early resolution of disputes to minimise litigation exposure and costs.

Knowledge Management

• Maintain a repository of litigation precedents, legal opinions, and case outcomes to support institutional knowledge and improve future legal decision-making.
• Share knowledge and legal industry trends with team members through formal and informal interactions.

Reporting & Analytics

• Develop and maintain dashboards or reports that track litigation trends, costs, and outcomes.
• Provide insights to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement in legal risk management.

Personal Development & Mentorship

• Continuously improve personal capability by identifying relevant training and development opportunities.
• Complete all required learning activities and maintain necessary certifications within specified timeframes.
• Mentor junior legal staff and contribute to their professional development through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.

Essential Qualification

• LLB Degree 
• Admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Minimum Experience Level

• 2 – 4 years post articles experience

Technical / Professional Knowledge

• Experience in handling litigation matters    

Behavioural Competencies

• Communication
• Decision Making
• Managing Work

Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills

• Continuous Learning
• Innovation