Job Description

GVW Group is a dynamic private investment and industrial holding company dedicated since 1993 to growing and starting businesses. We take an entrepreneurial approach to building value for our scalable early stage, high-growth, and mid-sized operating companies by providing strategic expertise and resources. Along the way, we have expanded globally into diverse industries ranging from manufacturing to technology, distribution, big data, engineering, and energy efficiency.

GVW Group is seeking a Legal Counsel: Trust and Estates who possess extensive experience and a strong background in U.S. estate planning and administration to join our team. While the role is based in Durbanville, South Africa, the candidate must possess substantial U.S. legal experience, particularly in the areas of tax and estate planning.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research and prepare detailed memoranda advising both the operating enterprise and ownership family on multi-jurisdictional estate and trust planning, including related tax, structural, and administrative considerations.
• Design, establish, and oversee a range of estate and trust entities aligned with the strategic goals and long-term objectives of the ownership family.
• Collaborate with tax advisors to coordinate estate and trust planning with broader enterprise tax strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements tied to the formation and ongoing management of estate/trust structures, including associated filings.
• Identify, assess, and communicate risks associated with current and proposed estate/trust structures, ensuring alignment with family and enterprise priorities.
• Liaise with trustees, beneficiaries, and grantors regarding the planning, execution, and compliance of estate and trust arrangements.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to all parties involved in estate and trust administration, including grantors, beneficiaries, and trustees.
• Advise on estate and trust strategies essential to ensuring continuity of ownership and governance within the family and enterprise.
• Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Effectively advocate for U.S. tax positions, both orally and in written form.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in U.S. trust, estate planning and administration, including drafting sophisticated estate planning documents.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience required
• Highly beneficial if the candidate has: -
  • Cross-border and US contracting experience.
  • LLB Degree/Commercial Law/Contractual Law/B. Com from an accredited law school
  • LLM in Taxation
  • Admission to practice law in any U.S. state is required, with a preference for Illinois, Florida (Miami), or Ohio.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• A self-starter with strong legal research and writing skills.
• Maintain strong client relationships with minimal supervision.
• Critical thinking skills and complex problem-solving skills
• Willingness and ability to work full-time in the company’s office are required.
• Ability to collaborate with both legal and non-legal colleagues in SA and the U.S.
• Critical thinking skills and complex problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate with both legal and non-legal colleagues in SA and the U.S.
• Time management/flexible hours
• Take ownership and accountability.
• Professional references.

Location:

This role is full-time based at our office in Durbanville, Cape Town.

GVW Group, LLC offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, to include base salary, incentive bonus opportunities, and benefits such as medical/dental/vision options, 401K plan, etc.

GVW Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.