Associate Dispute Resolution

An Associate or Senior Associate role has become available to join the Dispute Resolution department at the Johannesburg offices of ENS.

The candidate will be expected to work, amongst others, with clients, counsel, witnesses, experts, correspondent attorneys and sheriffs, as well as be involved in and manage elements of pre litigation, litigation processes (such as applications, actions, arbitrations and appeals) and alternative dispute resolution matters (such as negotiation and mediation).

• Consulting with clients and counsel
• Giving high quality legal advice to clients
• Discussing complex legal issues with clients, counsel, witnesses and experts
• Analyzing probable outcomes based on legal research
• Interpreting laws, rules and regulations
• Drafting legal opinions
• Drafting correspondence, pleadings and notices
• Gathering and compiling evidence
• Participating in the interview of witnesses and preparing witness statements
• Preparing cases for hearing by way of trial, applications or arbitration
• Maintaining confidentiality of legal documents and client records
• Litigating in civil courts, tribunals and arbitrations
• Building and maintaining excellent relationships with clients
• Assisting directors with preparation of training and other presentations
• Undertaking the legal work to the highest professional and client care standards
• Contributing to the team's and the firm's knowledge banks

The candidate should be an attorney admitted to practise in South Africa. In addition, the candidate should possess the following:

• At least 3 years post articles experience in commercial litigation
• Strong academic background
• Court, arbitration and mediation experience
• A thorough knowledge of the procedural requirements of civil litigation, arbitrations and mediations
• Passion for litigation
• Keen to learn and grow
• The ability to self-regulate
• The ability to successfully work as a member of a team
• Being proactive in achieving goals and exceeding goals
• Going the extra mile
• Ability to work well under pressure without compromising work quality or standards
• Ability to handle high volumes and many matters as well as meet deadlines with the view to adding value to the business by delivering the required results
• Ability to assist with knowledge transfer to junior professionals and other fee earners and take advantage of team interactions
• Ability to produce consistent high quality work
• Display honesty and integrity at all times
• Ability to communicate well in writing and verbally, with good presentation skills
• Being proactive in marketing yourself, the team and the firm

It is also essential that the candidate demonstrates the ability to understand the needs of clients and to communicate effectively with them, as well as to manage client relations and practice management, in general. In addition, the candidate must be ambitious, achievement oriented, focused and able to work well under pressure in a deadline driven environment.

This is a demanding but stimulating position which will require working outside of normal office hours, when necessary.