[Hiring] Commercial Legal Counsel @Luma Recruiting

Role Description

Our client is an innovative, US-based investment and venture development business focused on advancing opportunities across life sciences, biotechnology, and healthcare. This is a newly established in-house legal position, offering exposure to:

• Commercial transactions
• Investment activities
• Intellectual property
• Regulatory matters
• Corporate governance

Working alongside external legal specialists and internal stakeholders, you will help manage day-to-day legal operations, support strategic transactions, oversee contractual processes, and ensure that legal obligations, records, and deadlines are appropriately managed.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, balancing competing priorities, and applying sound commercial judgment in a dynamic, cross-border environment. There is scope for the role to develop into a leadership position as the business expands.

The engagement may initially be structured on a full-time or fractional basis, with an initial assessment period to establish the appropriate scope and longer-term arrangement.

Qualifications

• Admitted attorney in good standing with 3–7 years’ relevant post-qualification experience.
• Proven working experience in either:
  • Life sciences/biotechnology, intellectual property + drug development
  • Commercial + transactional law
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation + commercial legal skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work remotely with meaningful overlap with US Eastern business hours (3pm-11pm OR 4pm-12am).

Requirements

• LLB degree + admission as an attorney in SA, in good standing.
• 3–7 years of relevant legal working experience, ideally combining law firm training with in-house or commercial exposure.
• Demonstrable experience in one or more relevant areas, with preference for candidates bringing life-sciences, biotechnology or IP-related experience.
• Practical experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements and transactional documentation.
• Ability to work effectively with external counsel and stakeholders across jurisdictions.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, professional integrity and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication & the ability to explain complex legal issues with ease.
• A proactive, adaptable approach & ability to manage multiple matters independently.
• Availability to work remotely from South Africa, with regular overlap with US Eastern business hours.

Benefits

• Competitive salary offered (in USD).
• Potential equity component possible.

Company Description

Combining forward-thinking investment with the development of emerging therapeutic technologies, the business offers an entrepreneurial environment where the successful candidate can take meaningful ownership of the legal function and help shape its development as the organization grows.