Associate (Юрист) Middle Level

SALUS LEGAL, a premier legal consulting firm, is seeking an ambitious Associate to join our team! 🌟

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive legal support across corporate, commercial, and dispute resolution matters. Key responsibilities include drafting and reviewing contracts, conducting legal due diligence, advising clients on employment, corporate, and contract law, and representing clients before courts and state authorities.

About the Firm:

SALUS LEGAL is a leading full-service legal consulting firm established in 2008. The Firm maintains offices in Kazakhstan, specifically in Almaty and Astana. For over 18 years, we have successfully partnered with both Kazakhstani and international companies, accumulating practical expertise across more than 13 legal practice areas. We provide legal advisory services on a wide spectrum of matters, including the execution of complex projects, cross-border transactions, and dispute resolution. Our client base comprises business owners, multinational corporations, and Kazakhstani companies operating across 9 key economic sectors.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Drafting and Review of Legal Documents: Drafting, preparing, and conducting legal review of a wide array of documents, including contracts, corporate and constituent documents, internal regulations (orders, instructions, policies, standards), legal opinions, memoranda, and other legal instruments. Conducting legal review of draft documents for both Clients and the Firm, including participation in Legal Due Diligence procedures.
2. Legal Support for Clients and Projects: Providing oral and written advisory services to Clients on employment, contract, corporate law, and other legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Providing end-to-end legal support for Client projects, including the structuring and execution of M&A transactions, as well as the registration, re-registration, and liquidation of legal entities (including those with foreign participation).
3. AIFC Legal Support and Regulatory Compliance: Providing comprehensive legal support within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) jurisdiction. This includes executing mergers and acquisitions under both Kazakh law and AIFC rules; managing strike-off procedures under AIFC rules; advising on labour, corporate, and migration matters within the AIFC framework; ensuring compliance with annual filing requirements under AIFC rules; and handling post-registration procedures for LLPs and private companies, among other entities.
4. Litigation and Pre-trial Dispute Resolution: Managing pre-trial claims and litigation, representing the Firm and Clients in courts, state, and other authorized bodies on legal matters, including the preparation and submission of requisite procedural documents.
5. Analytical and Research Work: Analyzing current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan; preparing legal overviews, analytical reports, recommendations, and forecasts regarding legislative changes, taking into account Clients' interests and the Firm's strategic objectives.
6. Client Base Development and Thought Leadership: Participating in marketing initiatives: preparing commercial proposals, conducting meetings with existing and prospective Clients, and promoting the Firm’s services among Kazakhstani and international companies. Authoring professional articles and legal updates, and serving as a speaker at internal training sessions.
7. Internal Collaboration and Team Development: Executing assignments from Partners and senior lawyers, collaborating with colleagues from other departments, and providing legal support to the Firm's employees within one's scope of competence. Coordinating the work of junior colleagues, providing mentorship, and sharing professional expertise.
8. Translation: Performing oral and written translation of legal and other documents between Kazakh, Russian, and English, as required.

Core Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of employment, corporate, and contract law of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as a strong understanding of AIFC legal framework and regulations.
• Proven experience in M&A transaction structuring projects, conducting legal due diligence, and developing contractual documentation.
• Experience working with international legal standards and practices.
• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to resolve complex legal issues.
• Expert-level negotiation and client communication skills.
• Ability to manage and process large volumes of information and documentation efficiently.

Requirements:

• Higher legal education obtained from a leading law school in Kazakhstan (an LL.M. degree is highly preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in international law or consulting firms.
• Proficiency in English and Kazakh (both written and oral) at a minimum of B2 level or higher.
• Active membership in the Chamber of Legal Advisers of the Republic of Kazakhstan (preferred).

Personal Attributes: High level of responsibility and attention to detail; stress resistance and readiness to work under high pressure; ability to articulate thoughts clearly and substantiate positions; strong time-management skills; capacity to work effectively both independently and as part of a team; commitment to continuous learning and professional growth; integrity and honesty.

Working Conditions:

• Employment: оfficial employment in full compliance with the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• Location: modern office located in an environmentally friendly district of Almaty.
• Compensation: competitive salary (discussed individually, commensurate with experience andc level of expertise).
• Additional Benefits: orporate lunches once a week; corporate taxi service after 8:00 PM for late working hours; participation in corporate events.
• Professional Development: opportunities for training, and participation in industry conferences and seminars.