Job title: Director and Head of Practice Commercial Litigation Department- Law Firm - Sandton Director and Head of Practice Commercial Litigation Department - Sandton A boutique Law firm in Sandton is looking for a Director to join their commercial Department Experience and qualifications: Post Graduate LLB and LLM degrees,( BCom LLB degrees would be advantageous). South African admitted attorney. Commercial Litigation experience a must. Demonstrate ability to lead litigation practice at the highest levell. Proven record of winning and delivering client work. Demonstrable record of offering intellectual and managerial leadership within the team and externally in the litigation department. Job Purpose The head of the litigation practice will lead an area of practice for collaborate, winning and delivering client work in line with the firm’s line pride model of inter-dependency, team work and trust. The head of practice will work with Mancom who in return will support the head of litigation practice to develop his/her expertise and capabilities as an emerging leader within the firm. The head of litigation practice role offers a chance to learn, grow, develop excellent practice and build a reputation within the sector as an emerging leader and innovator. The head of practice is an important and client-facing role for the firm. (S)he will win, which will develop over time into new business areas (by function, geography or client) for the firm (S)he will be expected to operate independently and with freedom to develop relationships with clients, but within a framework of intellectual, managerial and pastoral support provided by Mancom. The head of litigation will have a vital role to play within the firm and the team and in the development of its thinking, culture and practice. (S)he will be expected to contribute to strategic direction, intellectual capital and the written output of the organisation. (S)he will be encouraged to build expertise in his/her defined practice area, including cultivating external networks, speaking at events and conferences, and building relationships that can further develop our thinking and practice base. As a key team member, (s)he will be expected to contribute to a positive and collaborative working culture, and to grow as an ambassador for the firm and its values. Job Accountabilities: Demonstrate sound legal technical ability, knowledge of South African Law including procedural law applicable to all types of South African Courts and Tribunals. Provide legal advice and opinions on commercial litigation matters. Develop litigation practice Draft and review legal documentation, with emphasis on pleadings and notices. design and deliver a range of client-facing projects within the litigation department. develop new specialist practice areas within the litigation department practice in collaboration with other teams. develop expertise as an intellectual leader in this space, developing junior professionals as experts in litigation supported by the management committee of the firm. Win new business, sectors as best fits with the firm and supported by Mancom (business development) to bring in new revenue for the firm from new or existing clients, through building lasting client and peer partnerships – at least to the value of R10 000 000 each year in the first year (this value will be reviewed on an annual basis and will increase over time). ensure that resources within the litigation team, litigation team performance, quality control and assurance, and relationship management are of a high standard to deliver both client and the firm’s objectives for every piece of work undertaken in the department. Work on complex legal principles/concepts without the use of precedents. Managing and advising in commercial litigation matters. Providing advice in various litigation matters Drafting pleadings and notices (mainly high court). Case management including briefing of counsel and experts. General management of a legal practice including opening of new file, passing and collecting of fees, maintaining relationships with other team members working closely and delegating work to secretaries, senior associate, associate and candidate attorneys. Good drafting skills of pleadings and court documents. Billing and invoicing of clients. Ensuring that the financial discipline policy of the firm is always adhered to and develop. strategies of improving the financial discipline policy. Build, manage and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues Head of litigation department will deliver client-facing services to external clients. This may involve working alongside other directors, with other members of the team, with associate individuals or organisations. The head of litigation will be encouraged to develop and refine the firm’s approach through these engagements, contributing to the continuous iteration of the firm’s products, and to his/her own development as a practitioner. Thought Leadership - Produce thought leadership and associated products (organisational development): The head of litigation will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the intellectual output of the team and translate theory into practice (and vice versa). This means using existing knowledge and that gathered from the department and the firm to write a range of publications (blogs, articles, reports, manuals) that push the boundaries of public service reform thinking, showcase our work and act as a marketing device for the department’ services. It also means developing this thinking through attending events and building relationships and networks outside of litigation team’s practice. The head of litigation will be supported to do this by Mancom. Team Member - Support other team members to develop their skills, acting and supporting the line management activities of Mancom assuming line management roles as they arise. Play an active role in team meetings, development days, operational and strategic planning and attend the Board meetings. The head of litigation is an intrinsic part of the leadership team of the firm and will attend strategy/development meetings and can expect to be briefed by Mancom on key strategic developments. The head of department will be expected to be an enthusiastic learner, and to be proactive in seeking out the support and leadership needed (and entitled to) from his/her line manager and the Mancom and board. Manage relationships - the head of the litigation team will act in accordance with the firm’s values of the lion pride model, vision and values, and act as an ambassador for the firm in all that (s )he does to develop and widen the firm’s network, and manage relationships to enhance impact, brand and identify new business areas. Building meaningful relationships with colleagues, partners, clients and within the wider sector is a critical determinant of success for the firm. Training and Development – the of the head of litigation team will agree with Mancom a structured programme of training and development, which should be aligned to the practice area in focus. The head of litigation will take joint responsibility with the firm for the sharing and dissemination of new skills, capabilities and innovative practice developed through this training within the team, and across the range of firm’s spectrum of services Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information. Collects and researches information Uses intuition and experience to complement information Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyses information skilfully; Develops alternative solutions, Works well in group problem solving situations. Interpersonal - Focuses on achieving results, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality. Listens to others without interrupting. Keeps emotions under control. Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. Oral and written communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens and gets clarification. Writes clearly and informatively. Edits work for spelling and grammar. Presents numerical data effectively. Able to read and interpret written information. Deadline driven – Displays the ability to work with and meet tight deadline; Displays the ability to work well under pressure. Personal attributes: Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others. Inspires and motivates others to perform well. Effectively influences actions and opinions of others. Inspires respect and trust. Accepts feedback from others. Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates. Gives appropriate recognition to others. Displays passion and optimism. Mobilizes others to fulfil the vision. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction. Takes responsibility for own actions. Keeps commitments. Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions. Includes appropriate people in decision-making process. Makes timely decisions. Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals. Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Measures self against standard of excellence. Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Follows through on commitments. Upload Resume | Portfolio File types (doc, docx, pdf, rtf, png, jpeg, jpg, bmp, jng, ppt, pptx, csv, gif) size up to 5MB Upload Cover letter File types (doc, docx, pdf, rtf, png, jpeg, jpg, bmp, jng, ppt, pptx, csv, gif) size up to 5MB #J-18808-Ljbffr