Job Title: Legal Advisor – Sanlam – Sandton, Gauteng
Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
Industry: Financial Services / Legal / Investments
Division: Sanlam Alternative Investments (SAI)
Company: Sanlam Investment Group
Employment Type: Permanent
Posting Date: 04 April 2025
Closing Date: 04 May 2025
If you’re a seasoned legal professional with strong experience in banking, finance, and corporate law—and you’re passionate about using your skills to shape impactful investments—then Sanlam has an exciting opportunity for you. The Sanlam Investment Group is recruiting for a Legal Advisor to join their Alternative Investments team based in Sandton, Gauteng.
About Sanlam Investment Group (SIG)
Sanlam Investment Group is a leading and diversified financial services provider with over R2 trillion in assets under management. Through strategic partner networks and internal expertise, SIG operates across asset classes globally and regionally, offering both active and passive investment solutions. It is one of the largest black-empowered asset managers on the continent and a B-BBEE level 1 contributor.
Within the group, Sanlam Alternative Investments (SAI) plays a vital role in financial inclusion and economic development by focusing on Private Equity, Infrastructure, Property, Specialised Finance, and Partnerships across emerging African economies.
Role Overview
As a Legal Advisor at Sanlam Alternative Investments, you will be instrumental in managing the legal risks and regulatory framework that underpin SAI’s diverse investment operations. This includes everything from structuring and negotiating complex finance deals to drafting legal agreements and offering strategic advice across projects in private equity, venture capital, fund finance, and property investments.
Key Responsibilities
✅ Legal Advisory & Transaction Management
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Draft, review, and negotiate agreements in areas such as project finance, private equity, syndicated loans, guarantees, empowerment funding, and venture capital.
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Manage legal risks in corporate and fund-related transactions in line with SAI’s risk framework.
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Participate in deal committees and advise on reputational or regulatory concerns.
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Handle cross-border and distressed debt matters including restructurings and insolvency cases.
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Maintain legal templates and provide training on relevant legal developments.
✅ Stakeholder Engagement
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Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, external legal counsel, and investment partners.
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Stay ahead of legal and regulatory changes, proactively sharing updates with business units.
✅ Operational Risk & Process Management
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Ensure efficient legal processes and the timely drafting of high-quality legal documentation.
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Advise internal stakeholders on financial close processes.
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Report regularly to the Head of Legal on progress, workloads, and legal efficiencies.
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Manage external legal counsel and legal spend effectively.
✅ Transformation & Innovation
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Contribute to a culture of diversity, transformation, and inclusion.
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Support innovation within the legal function and encourage process improvements.
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Participate in corporate responsibility initiatives that align with Sanlam’s purpose-driven vision.
Minimum Requirements
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LLB degree (Postgraduate qualification advantageous).
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Registered Attorney with 5+ years of relevant experience.
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Demonstrated experience in corporate legal departments or legal practice with a focus on:
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Banking and finance transactions
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Mergers & acquisitions
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Project and fund finance
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Corporate structuring
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Knowledge of Loan Market Association (LMA) standards and documentation is essential.
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UK qualification is advantageous but not mandatory.
Key Skills & Competencies
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Legal risk management and strategic thinking
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Advanced drafting and negotiation skills
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Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship building
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Excellent knowledge of commercial law and cross-border finance
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Ability to manage complexity and multiple priorities
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Business insight with a client-centered approach
Why Join Sanlam?
Sanlam isn’t just a workplace—it’s a long-term growth environment. As a Legal Advisor in the Investment Group, you’ll gain access to:
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A robust support network and industry-recognised expertise.
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Opportunities to work on complex transactions with societal impact.
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An inclusive and purpose-driven corporate culture focused on financial inclusion and African growth.
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Clear career pathways and professional development support.
Transformation Commitment
Sanlam is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace. The Group’s Employment Equity Plan will guide the selection process, and preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with transformation targets.
Application Details
If you’re ready to step into a dynamic legal advisory role with one of Africa’s top investment groups, submit your application by 04 May 2025.
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