Distressed Accounts Legal Advisor

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

A leading financial institution is seeking a highly skilled Workout & Restructuring Legal Advisor to manage and optimise the legal recoveries and restructuring function. This role is responsible for providing strategic legal advice, managing legal risk, overseeing the recovery process, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Recoveries & Restructuring Management

  • Manage the full legal recovery and workout process.

  • Assess recoverability of debt and recommend optimal legal strategies.

  • Initiate legal action and issue Letters of Demand where required.

  • Analyse security and account information to ensure best recovery outcomes.

• Legal Advisory & Compliance

  • Provide expert legal advice and opinions to business units.

  • Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including the Companies Act, National Credit Act, Consumer Protection Act, Insolvency Act, Trust Property Control Act, and other relevant laws.

  • Monitor legislative changes and advise on business impact.

  • Draft and vet commercial agreements including Loan Agreements, Suretyships, Cessions, Mortgage Bonds, Notarial Bonds and Settlement Agreements.

• External Attorney & Service Provider Management

  • Manage and oversee panel attorneys.

  • Monitor SLA compliance and evaluate performance.

  • Review and vet legal cost accounts in line with agreed tariffs.

• Team & Stakeholder Management

  • Functionally manage Insolvency & Recoveries and Debt Collection specialists within the region.

  • Monitor reporting, record keeping, and system updates.

  • Build strong internal stakeholder relationships and provide practical business-focused solutions.

• Policy & Process Improvement

  • Identify process gaps and recommend improvements.

  • Ensure adherence to internal policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements:

• LLB Degree (4-year).

• Admitted Attorney.

• Minimum 3 years’ post-admission experience.

• Strong background in workout, restructuring, insolvency and recoveries.

• In-depth knowledge of corporate, commercial and credit-related legislation.

• Strong financial acumen.

• Excellent English communication skills (Afrikaans advantageous).

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Workout & Restructuring Legal Advisor looking to play a strategic role in managing legal recoveries, mitigating risk, and supporting business sustainability.