Legal Counsel (Commercial, Disputes & Risk)

About the role

Legal Counsel (Commercial, Disputes & Risk) Interpath Cape Town, South Africa Interpath is an international and fast-growing advisory business with deep expertise in a broad range of specialisms spanning deals, advisory and restructuring capabilities. We deliver tangible results for global businesses, their investors, and stakeholders when complex problems arise, and critical decisions need to be made. Interpath is agile, independent, and conflict-free, and our passion for doing what's right, every time, sets us apart. Our diverse teams provide specialist technical knowledge combined with deep sector experience across our service line specialisms. Since our foundation in 2021, Interpath has grown rapidly, and we now have a presence across the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, BVI, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Barbados, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and South Africa. By 2030 we aim to be one of the world's leading advisory firms with a truly global footprint. Interpath is seeking a motivated and adaptable Legal Counsel to join its in-house legal and risk function. This role combines commercial contracting, disputes and claims management, and regulatory support, providing broad exposure across the firm's advisory, restructuring, and corporate activities. You will act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, supporting business teams on contractual, legal, and risk matters, while also assisting with complaints, claims, litigation, and regulatory issues affecting the firm. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a well-rounded skillset within a collaborative and fast-paced professional services environment. This role offers broad exposure across commercial, disputes, insurance, and regulatory matters, working closely with experienced colleagues and senior stakeholders. It provides a strong foundation for developing into a senior in-house legal or risk advisory role within a leading professional services firm. Responsibilities: Commercial & Business Support Draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including client engagement terms, supplier agreements, software licensing, procurement, and leases Provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice to internal stakeholders and senior management Support engagement teams on contractual matters, including negotiation of terms and resolution of queries Assist in developing and improving contracting policies, procedures, and legal risk frameworks Disputes, Claims & Complaints Support the management of complaints and claims, including initial assessment, response drafting, and outcome tracking Assist with contentious matters involving the firm, working closely with external counsel and internal teams Contribute to litigation strategy, case preparation, document review, and general case management Regulatory & Risk Assist with responses to regulatory enquiries, investigations, and third-party requests (including government bodies) Support regulatory compliance and broader professional services risk matters Conduct legal research and provide clear, practical advice on regulatory obligations Insurance & Practice Protection Support management of professional indemnity insurance, including renewals, claims notifications, and liaison with brokers Review policy wording and help identify coverage and risk issues Maintain accurate internal records relating to insurance and claims matters Education and Experience Required: Qualified lawyer of at least three years' experience post-qualifying. Interpath will consider less if relevant pre-qualification experience. Experience in one or more of: - Commercial contracts - Disputes / litigation - Regulatory or investigations work - Insurance / professional indemnity Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills. Ability to identify and assess legal and commercial risks effectively. Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities. Commercially minded with sound judgement and a practical approach to problem-solving. Strong communicator, confident dealing with a wide range of stakeholders. Proactive, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure. Collaborative team player with a high level of professionalism and discretion. At Interpath, our people lie at the heart of our business. That's why we provide employees with a competitive and comprehensive reward package including compelling salaries and a range of core and optional benefits. Read more about our benefits; Company Benefits - Interpath Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters Please note that Interpath do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Interpath will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity. Values Our four core values are the cornerstones of culture at Interpath and steer everyt