CORPORATE SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR
Location: Lilongwe
Job OVERVIEW
Business Segment: Group Functions
Company: Standard Bank Malawi
Location: MW, Central Region, Lilongwe, African Unity Avenue
Job Type: Full-time
Job Ref ID: 80341299A-0001
Date Posted: 22/07/2026
Job Description
To provide legal advisory and transactional support to the Corporate & Investment Banking business unit by drafting, reviewing and negotiating credit, security and other banking-related documentation, conducting legal due diligence, identifying and mitigating legal risk, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. To act as legal counsel to the Bank in complex and multi-party negotiations and provide commercially focused legal advice in support of strategic business objectives.
Location: Lilongwe
Job OVERVIEW
Business Segment: Group Functions
Company: Standard Bank Malawi
Location: MW, Central Region, Lilongwe, African Unity Avenue
Job Type: Full-time
Job Ref ID: 80341299A-0001
Date Posted: 22/07/2026
Job Description
To provide legal advisory and transactional support to the Corporate & Investment Banking business unit by drafting, reviewing and negotiating credit, security and other banking-related documentation, conducting legal due diligence, identifying and mitigating legal risk, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. To act as legal counsel to the Bank in complex and multi-party negotiations and provide commercially focused legal advice in support of strategic business objectives.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Legal
- Closing Date: 2026-08-09
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of credit lending and other legal documentation, including facility agreements and security documents.
- Provide legal advice on complex credit transactions, structured finance facilities, corporate transactions and strategic business initiatives.
- Manage legal risk on transactions and product documents, escalating significant issues appropriately.
- Act as a senior point of contact within the Legal Division for the Corporate & Investment Banking business unit on transactional, contractual, credit and regulatory legal matters.
- Coach, mentor and supervise junior legal team members.
- Manage relationships with external law firms, including negotiating fees and overseeing instructions.
Requirements
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Law.
- Admitted legal practitioner with a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience in corporate, banking and finance law.
- 5-7 years’ experience in the provision of legal advice, drafting, vetting, reviewing, disseminating and negotiating legal documentation.
- At least 5 years’ experience within the legal, financial, corporate or commercial sectors.
- Experience identifying and mitigating legal risk.
- At least 3 years’ leadership or people management experience (direct or indirect), where applicable.
- Strong, demonstrable experience in credit transactional work and corporate banking transactions.
- Proven track record negotiating complex lending, security and commercial transaction documentation.
- Ability to work independently and provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Effective stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Strong communication and influencing capability.
- High levels of integrity and professional judgement.
- Sound understanding of Corporate & Investment Banking products and services.
- Expertise in credit, lending and transaction documentation.
- Strong legal drafting and negotiation skills.
- Legal risk identification and management.
- Financial services regulatory and compliance knowledge.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: standardbank.com…
REF Code: 80341299A-0001
About the Company
The Standard Bank of Malawi, previously known as the Commercial Bank of Malawi, is a commercial bank in Malawi. It is licensed by the Reserve Bank of Malawi, the central bank and national banking regulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential legal qualifications and experience typically required for a Senior Legal Advisor role in a Malawian bank?
Candidates typically need a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and current admission to the Malawi Law Society, demonstrating eligibility to practice law in the country. Significant post-qualification experience, usually 5-8 years, in corporate law, banking law, or financial services within a reputable firm or in-house legal department is crucial.
What would be the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Corporate Senior Legal Advisor in a bank like Standard Bank Malawi?
Daily tasks involve providing expert legal advice on banking operations, drafting and reviewing complex commercial agreements, and ensuring compliance with Malawian financial regulations. The role also includes managing litigation, advising on corporate governance matters, and collaborating with various internal departments.
What are the key aspects of the corporate work culture and professional expectations for a legal role within a Malawian financial institution?
The culture emphasizes professionalism, ethical conduct, and strict adherence to Malawi's regulatory framework and international banking standards. Strong interpersonal skills, collaboration with local and regional teams, and the ability to navigate a dynamic economic environment are highly valued.
What are the typical career progression opportunities for a Corporate Senior Legal Advisor within the legal department of a large bank in Malawi?
Successful Senior Legal Advisors can progress to roles like Head of Legal, Legal Counsel for specific business units, or even broader corporate governance and compliance leadership positions. Opportunities may also arise for specialization in niche areas of financial law or regional legal roles within the group structure.
What kind of typical benefits package, such as leave, medical aid, or pension, can one expect for a senior legal role at a major bank in Malawi?
Major banks in Malawi generally offer competitive benefits packages, including generous annual leave entitlements in line with senior roles. Comprehensive medical aid coverage for the employee and dependents, alongside a robust pension scheme, are standard provisions aimed at ensuring employee well-being and future security.
Beyond a CV, what specific aspects do Malawian employers, especially in the financial sector, look for in a Senior Legal Advisor candidate during the application and interview process?
Employers seek candidates who demonstrate deep practical understanding of Malawian commercial and banking law, strong analytical capabilities, and excellent problem-solving skills. They also highly value effective communication, negotiation abilities, and a proven track record of ethical decision-making and sound judgment.