INTRODUCTION:
My client is a legal firm in Pretoria and would like to appoint an Associate Attorney in their office. This is an Employment Equity position.

JOB PURPOSE:
The job holder supports the applicable department in a senior capacity by conducting research, drafting, reviewing and commenting on agreements, pleadings, notices and letters, whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy within a short turn-around time and in accordance with allocated deadlines on transactions.
PREFERRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:
• LLB degree in law.
• Must be an admitted attorney.
• Post graduate qualification with specialisation will be an advantage.
PREFERRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
• Must have at least 4 year's post article experience in a legal firm with high level exposure and proven experience
CRITICAL BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
• Advance computer literacy in respect of Microsoft and legal software programmes;
• Own vehicle and valid driver's license; and
• Clear criminal record and credit record.
• New Business: Must be able to source business opportunities (new business to the Firm) to support themselves – cost
• Delivery: Deliver repeat work (current and new clients) based on quality and timelines
• Revenue: Personally be able to achieve targets as per the agreed and approved budgets. Debtors collected should be at least equal to fees written.
• Development:
a. Self-Development customised to address shortcomings that delay or prevent the development or progress to achieve their full potential.
b. Positively contribute to the development of peers and other staff reporting to them or otherwise when shortcomings have been identified and remedial action has been agreed upon.
• Contribution to the firm:
a. Measurable contribution to the development of the firm’s brand as well as the positioning of the firm in the market place.
• Character:
a. Do not sacrifice others for own gain
b. A system of moral principles governing the appropriate conduct for a person - ethics
c. Considerate when dealing with people – peers, staff and clients
d. Un-selfishly motivated
e. Respectful of staff, peers and superiors
f. Non - manipulative
g. Point of motivation (what motivates and drives the associate) e.g. money? /recognition?
h. Dealing with people on a consistent and fair basis

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
Research and Information Compilation:
• Conduct thorough research for all department transactional matters;
• Review legislation and conduct research on all legal opinions for matters and prepare these for presentation to clients or directors, as may be applicable;
• Research, provide advice and furnish opinions for matters on legal strategies including the appropriate legal action to be taken;
• Continuously build on current legal skills and apply legal theory in a practical manner;
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organisations;
• Ensure regulatory compliance with applicable legislation and/or other regulatory boards.
Planning and Preparation:
• Conduct mandatory administration of the Company, including file management and electronic timekeeping;
• Use the required legal technical skills to understand the client's requirements and deliver a service which is efficient and meets the client's expectations;
• Prepare legal material and consult with the clients to advise about their rights and legal procedures;
• Draft, review and comment on agreements, as may be required of an associate;
• Preview all drafts submitted by any secretary, making amendments and checking for accuracy, prior to submission to a client as may be applicable;
• Prepare letters, correspondence emails or faxes and send these agreements and documents to clients;
• Attend hearings, conferences, interviews and trials, as may be applicable;
• Conduct or assist with due diligence investigations, as may be applicable;
• Assist in the preparation and submission of tenders, where required;
• Draft and prepare legal documentation inter alia objections, applications, requests, heads of arguments, opening addresses, and other related pleadings;
• Timeously submit legal documentation to relevant courts;
• Professional representation at relevant courts;
• Ensure that relevant witnesses are prepared / subpoenaed; and
• Liaise with external counsel on matters, if applicable and take responsibility for all external counsel and facilitation of such.
Negotiation:
• Negotiate matters of mutual interest on behalf of the client as may be required;
• Conduct negotiations with a view to settling potentially litigious matters.
Finance and Budget:
• Work according to a standard fee structure and reach the required billing targets monthly;
• Monitor and report billings to clients as milestones are reached and become involved in collection of outstanding amounts due and payable by clients.
Administration:
• Handle complex matters, ensuring that these are dealt with ethically and lawfully;
• Keep the library and workspaces tidy at all times, returning all books and papers to the correct place;
• Ensure that all matter files are tidy and organised; and
• Manage and grow the practice (retain current clients and bring in new clients).
Relationship Management:
• Assist and support other senior colleagues in handling complex matters;
• Understand the requirements of clients by obtaining the necessary information and utilise the information for the delivery of service to the client;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the clients and peers;
• Attend consultations with clients and explain relevant legal matters to them;
• Work with the clerk of the court for necessary procedures, where applicable;
• Integrate best practices and standards in handling clients and their matters; and
• Maintain strong working relationships with all directors and any other staff member of the Company, ensuring that the job holder is a team player in the execution of the job holder's duties;
• Contribute to the success of the firm on a strategic as well as operational level.
Disclaimer and Basic Requirements:
• South African citizenship is a pre-requisite
• Relevant previous experience is essential
• A clean credit and criminal record is non-negotiable
• Communication will be with short-listed candidates who meet the requirements. Therefore, if you do not receive any feedback on your application within 3 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• This process may include psychometric tests