LLB/BCom: Law graduates- 2026

Sea Harvest has opened applications for its 2026 graduate intake, inviting LLB and BCom Law graduates to apply for contract based roles within its Legal and Compliance department. The opportunity targets recent law graduates with no prior work experience and is limited to Employment Equity candidates. This matters now as graduate opportunities in the legal sector remain highly competitive, particularly for entry-level candidates seeking structured workplace exposure in large private sector organisations.

According to the company, applications close on 12 February 2026.

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A graduate opportunity opens within the Sea Harvest legal division

The graduate opportunity forms part of Sea Harvest’s broader graduate development programme, which focuses on identifying and developing high-potential young professionals across the organisation.

Sea Harvest operates within the fast-moving consumer goods sector and maintains a significant presence across South Africa’s food production and distribution value chain. The legal graduate roles sit within the Legal and Compliance department, exposing successful candidates to regulatory, commercial, and compliance-related work in a corporate environment.

According to the company, graduates appointed to the programme are expected to take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers while developing professional and leadership skills.

Who the opportunity is aimed at

The 2026 intake specifically targets graduates who have completed either an LLB or a BCom Law qualification.

According to the job listing, applicants must not have completed any prior study or work experience, including internships or graduate programmes. The opportunity is therefore positioned as a true entry point for first-time graduates entering the legal profession.

The programme is open only to candidates who meet Employment Equity requirements, in line with the company’s transformation and equity commitments.

Minimum requirements for applicants

Sea Harvest has outlined clear academic and eligibility requirements for applicants.

To be considered, candidates must have:

• A completed Bachelor’s Degree in Law, either LLB or BCom Law
• No prior study or related work experience
• A strong academic record supported by official university transcripts
• South African identity documentation
• A completed National Senior Certificate

According to the company, all qualifications submitted will be verified as part of the recruitment process.

Skills and attributes Sea Harvest is seeking

Beyond academic qualifications, Sea Harvest has identified a set of personal and professional attributes it believes are essential for success in the programme.

The company said ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• A willingness to take on challenges in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility and adaptability
• A strong learning orientation and growth mindset
• Resilience and the ability to handle pressure
• The ability to work effectively in teams
• Innovative thinking and problem-solving skills

In addition, the company listed several key skills required for success in the role.

These include:

• Strong analytical and reasoning ability
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Basic leadership capability and initiative
• Strong execution and task management skills
• Proactive and assertive communication

What graduates can expect from the programme

According to Sea Harvest, the graduate programme is designed to expose participants to real operational and legal responsibilities rather than observational learning.

Graduates placed within the Legal and Compliance department may be involved in areas such as:

• Contract review and administration
• Compliance monitoring and reporting
• Regulatory research and interpretation
• Internal policy support
• Legal risk assessment processes

While the programme does not guarantee permanent employment, the company has indicated that it provides graduates with exposure that supports long-term career development within the legal and corporate governance fields.

Location and employment details

The graduate roles are based in Cape Town, Western Cape.

The positions are offered on a contract basis, aligned with the structure of the graduate programme. Sea Harvest operates nationally, but the legal graduate intake is linked to its head office and legal operations based in Cape Town.

According to the listing, the opportunity falls within the legal functional area and the fast-moving consumer goods industry.

Why this matters for Gauteng graduates

Although the positions are based in the Western Cape, the opportunity is relevant to Gauteng graduates due to the province’s high number of law graduates entering the job market each year.

Gauteng remains the largest source of university graduates nationally, including law students from institutions such as the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, Wits University, UNISA, and other public universities.

With limited entry-level legal roles available in traditional law firms, corporate graduate programmes offer an alternative pathway into the legal profession, particularly for graduates interested in compliance, commercial la,w and corporate governance.

What This Means for Gauteng Residents

For Gauteng-based law graduates, the Sea Harvest graduate opportunity highlights the growing importance of mobility and sector flexibility in early career development.

Graduates willing to relocate or work outside traditional legal practice may access broader exposure through corporate legal departments. Programmes such as this one provide insight into how law functions within large organisations, which differ from litigation-focused career paths.

However, competition remains high, and graduates must meet strict eligibility requirements, including Employment Equity criteria and the absence of prior work experience.

Application process and closing date

Sea Harvest has confirmed that applications opened on 29 January 2026 and close on 12 February 2026.

Applicants are required to submit:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Certified copies of university transcripts
• Certified qualification certificates
• A copy of their National Senior Certificate
• A copy of their South African ID

According to the company, incomplete applications may not be considered.

Employment equity considerations

The opportunity is open only to Employment Equity candidates.

Sea Harvest said this forms part of its commitment to transformation and the development of emerging talent within the organisation. Employment Equity criteria will be applied throughout the recruitment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an internship or a graduate programme?
It is a structured graduate programme designed for first-time law graduates.

Is prior work experience required?
No. Applicants must not have completed any prior study-related work experience.

Where is the position based?
The roles are based in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Who can apply?
Only Employment Equity candidates with LLB or BCom Law qualifications may apply.

When does the application close?
Applications close on 12 February 2026.

What happens next

Sea Harvest is expected to screen applications after the closing date and contact shortlisted candidates for further assessments or interviews.

The company has not indicated when appointments will be finalised, but recruitment processes are expected to take place shortly after the closing date.

For now, the opportunity presents a limited window for eligible law graduates seeking entry into the corporate legal environment as part of the 2026 graduate intake.