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South Africa
Remote only
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Corporate Counsel based in South Africa.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced legal professional to shape corporate strategy and support the growth of a globally distributed technology business. In this role, you will lead complex corporate, securities, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and governance matters while advising stakeholders on critical business decisions. You will oversee international subsidiaries, employee equity programs, strategic investments, and financing transactions. Working across jurisdictions, you will help strengthen legal compliance and develop scalable processes that support international expansion. The position combines high-level legal expertise with a pragmatic, business-oriented approach in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. It is ideal for an independent thinker who enjoys solving complex challenges and contributing to the development of an open, globally connected web.
Lead global securities law compliance and provide strategic guidance on corporate governance matters relevant to a late-stage private company.
Manage the international subsidiary structure, including board meetings, corporate records, entity reorganizations, intercompany agreements, and local compliance requirements.
Support board governance by preparing agendas and materials, documenting meetings, and maintaining accurate records of corporate decisions and actions.
Oversee employee equity programs and structure, negotiate, and execute employee stock sale transactions.
Lead the legal execution of fundraising, M&A, financing, and other strategic transactions, ensuring appropriate risk management and regulatory compliance.
Manage the investment portfolio and oversee transaction execution for venture capital investments and related activities.
Develop and implement efficient legal and business processes that enable international operations to scale sustainably.
Advise cross-functional teams on software integrations, intellectual property, licensing, and open-source licensing considerations.
Translate complex legal matters into clear, practical recommendations that support business objectives and enable informed decision-making.
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a US-accredited law school, admission to practice in a US state, and at least five years of legal practice experience.
Strong expertise in securities law compliance, corporate governance, and legal matters affecting private or late-stage companies.
Proven experience managing international subsidiaries and handling complex corporate transactions, including financing rounds, M&A, equity transactions, and strategic investments.
Experience overseeing employee equity programs, stock plans, and related transactions; familiarity with tender offers, fund formations, public offerings, or comparable complex transactions is an advantage.
Knowledge of intellectual property, software integrations, licensing, and open-source licensing, with an understanding of the legal considerations associated with global technology operations.
International legal experience and familiarity with cross-border regulatory environments are highly desirable.
Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and operate independently in a fast-paced, globally distributed organization.
Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
A pragmatic, commercially minded approach to legal work, with a focus on finding efficient solutions and enabling business outcomes rather than relying solely on formal documentation.
An adaptable, curious, and collaborative mindset, with the confidence to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and work constructively with diverse teams.
Genuine enthusiasm for open-source principles and the open web, alongside a commitment to making technology accessible and useful to people worldwide.
Competitive compensation: Annual salary range of USD 180,000–300,000, with compensation paid in local currency regardless of location. Final pay reflects experience, skills, and expected contribution, and may exceed the stated range for exceptional candidates.
Fully remote work: Opportunity to work remotely within a globally distributed organization.
Flexible time off: Open vacation policy designed to support work-life balance and personal flexibility.
Country-specific benefits: Access to benefits packages tailored to the employee's country of residence. Specific healthcare, insurance, and other benefits depend on local arrangements.
International collaboration: Work alongside colleagues across numerous countries and cultural backgrounds, contributing to a global technology environment.
Meaningful impact: Help shape the legal foundations of products and services that support publishing, commerce, messaging, and the open web.
Inclusive workplace: Join an equal-opportunity environment that values diversity, accessibility, and different perspectives.