Lawyer (Disputes)

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

The Role

Solicitors will be part of our legal team, working closely with Managers, Senior Solicitors, Solicitors, Trainees and Legal Analysts.

Note that limited travel, to the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer offices or to clients, may be required from time to time.

Key Responsibilities

Conducting document review, due diligence or other practice area-specific fee-earning work (there will be target average daily chargeable hours).
Undertake Quality Control and provide constructive feedback to ensure that output is consistent with HSF Kramer quality standards.
On appropriate projects, as required, working directly with other HSF Kramer practice groups in our global network to deliver high quality support to clients and HSF Kramer legal teams.
On appropriate projects, as required, supervising Trainees or Legal Analysts in relation to individual matters, dealing with complex legal matters or generally as directed by Senior Solicitors, Managers or Senior Managers of the Disputes practice group.
Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of areas of law relevant to the practice.
Ensuring compliance with financial disciplines on matters (e.g. daily time recording).
Providing any other assistance to the business on client matters and related tasks as required.

The responsibilities outlined above cannot totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post-holder. The outline of responsibilities given above may, therefore, vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility or grade.

Qualifications, skills and experience

Essential

Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa (but other major common law jurisdictions may be considered).
Minimum 2 years' experience, with at least 6 months' experience in disputes/litigation. 3+ PQE is desirable.
An innovative mindset, curious about AI and emerging technologies.

Desirable

Experience working in a commercial legal environment, ideally a private practice law firm.
Knowledge and experience of legal work for the Disputes practice group, for example large scale document review, with the ability to project manage the process from instruction to completion.

Note: Applications will close at midday 12pm (SAST) on Friday 17 July 2026

Team

Digital Legal Delivery

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

Johannesburg

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.