International Lawyer

Our client is an investment and advisory business specialising in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and energy funds. The firm advises on fund and insurance structures, strategic investments, restructuring, asset sales, and enterprise succession. Working closely with entrepreneurs, investment partners, and ultra-high-net-worth families, it combines commercial, legal, and financial expertise to support complex investment and transactional decisions.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced International Lawyer with strong expertise in commercial litigation, particularly High Court litigation and tax-related disputes, to join their growing legal team. The successful candidate will provide specialist litigation and arbitration support across our key jurisdictions (BVI, South Africa, Cayman Islands, and England), while being based in Mauritius. This role is critical for protecting client interests in complex, multi-jurisdictional matters and supporting their advisory and trustee services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage commercial litigation and tax litigation matters, including High Court proceedings in relevant jurisdictions.
• Advise on and handle disputes involving international tax structures, corporate governance, trusts, fiduciary duties, shareholder issues, and cross-border commercial contracts.
• Provide support in arbitration proceedings (institutional and ad hoc) and alternative dispute resolution.
• Collaborate with internal teams (compliance, corporate services, tax advisory) and external counsel in BVI, Cayman, South Africa, England, and other jurisdictions to coordinate multi-jurisdictional strategies.
• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, witness statements, submissions, and settlement agreements.
• Advise clients and internal stakeholders on risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and dispute avoidance in offshore structures.
• Contribute to business development by supporting client relationships, preparing proposals, and participating in thought leadership (e.g., webinars, articles on offshore litigation trends).
• Ensure compliance with local licensing requirements (e.g., Mauritius FSC Global Legal Advisory Services where applicable) and ethical standards across jurisdictions.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential:

• Qualified lawyer in a common law jurisdiction (ideally England & Wales, South Africa, BVI, or Cayman-admissible) with admission to practice in one or more of the focus jurisdictions.
• Five (5) to ten (10) years post-qualification experience (typically 5–10) in commercial litigation, with substantial High Court exposure.
• Proven track record in commercial tax litigation and related disputes.
• Experience in arbitration (commercial or international).
• Strong knowledge of laws and procedures in BVI, Cayman Islands, South Africa, and England & Wales.
• Ability to operate effectively from Mauritius (existing work permit or eligibility for occupational permit highly advantageous).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, persuasive legal documents for international clients.
• Commercial acumen and client-service orientation in a fast-paced, multi-jurisdictional environment.

Desirable:

• Experience in offshore financial services, trusts, fiduciary structures, or international tax planning.
• Familiarity with Mauritius legal and regulatory framework (e.g., Workers’ Rights Act, FSC guidelines, economic substance rules).
• Additional language skills (French or other) advantageous but not required.