Senior LAW Researcher

Overview

Senior Law Researcher needed at the Pretoria High Court to provide legal research and analytical support to the judiciary, requiring an LLB degree and three years' research experience.

Requirements

• Applicants should be in possession of an LLB Degree at (NQF level 8).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ legal research experience of which two (2) years should be at supervisory level.
• A valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage.
• Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of electronic information resources and the ability to access and utilise computer research programmes (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastats), knowledge of operating DCRS/ CRT machine, Employment Equity Act, Practice Manual of the Court, sound understanding of South African law and Judicial system, interpretation and application of the law and Batho Pele Principles.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Programs, research, problem solving, planning and organising, good judgment and decision-making, interpersonal relations, time management, effective communication (verbally and in writing) and supervisory skills.
• Along with the following attributes: Ability to multitask, able to work under pressure, telephone etiquette, professionalism, ability to meet strict deadlines and ability to maintain confidentiality with ability to take charge.

Duties

Provide legal research, consult with the judiciary in chambers and take instructions, peruse all the material lodged, identify the issue and initiate appropriate research, provide analytical summary of counsels’ arguments or written evidence in the court, delegate instructions to the researcher, conduct research on electronic databases as per the Judge’s request, ensure that all research provided to Judges is comprehensive and accurate, ensure that draft judgments, articles and speeches are clear, consistent and comprehensive, ensure there are no judgments conform to the accepted writing Style Guide of each court, ensure preparation of a comprehensive memorandum on the outcome of the research, double-check all references and footnotes in all judgements and legal articles against the original text to ensure correctness, assist the judges with other extra-judicial tasks, draft speeches, conferences papers and legal articles, ensure that all speeches, conference papers and articles are thoroughly researched, are accurate and of the highest quality, ensure secretarial functions including Provincial Efficiency Enhancement Committee (PEEC) meetings are being effectively performed, ensure the judiciary of the Division is up to date on recent developments min case law, practice directives and legislation, keep abreast of all the landmark judgments / recent developments in the law, changes in legislation and regulations, ensure researchers attend to publisher related queries (e.g Juta, Lexis and Saflii), supervise and develop staff, ensure general supervision of employees, allocate duties and perform quality control on the work delivered by officials, manage leave of staff, advise and lead supervisees with regards to all aspect of work, manage performance, conduct and discipline of employees, ensure that all employees are trained and developed to be able to deliver work of the required standard efficiently and effectively, develop, implement and monitor work systems and processes to ensure efficient and effective functioning, address enquiries and provide advice and guidance on asset allocations and control

How to apply

Applications can be sent via email to 2026/97/OCJ@judiciary.org.za

Enquiries: Technical Related Enquiries: Mr. PA Nkone Tel No: (012) 492 7606 HR Related Enquiries: Ms. T Mbalekwa Tel No: (010) 494 8515

Notes

The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals. All applications must be submitted on a New Z83 form, which can be downloaded on internet at www.judiciary.org.za / www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/vacancies.asp or obtainable from any Public Service Department and should be accompanied by a recent comprehensive CV only; contactable referees (telephone numbers and email addresses must be indicated). Please send your documents in a PDF and put them in one folder. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the day of the interview following communication from Human Resources. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. Applicants could be required to provide consent for access to their social media accounts. Prior to appointment for SMS, a candidate would be required to complete the Nyukela Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to Senior Management Services as endorsed by DPSA which is an online course, endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG). The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into the SMS and the full details can be sourced by the following link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/. Each application form must be fully completed, duly signed and initialed on both pages by the applicant. The application must indicate the correct job title, the office where the position is advertised and the reference number as stated in the advert. Failure by the applicant to complete, sign and initial the application form will lead to disqualification of the application during the selection process. Applications on the old Z83 will unfortunately not be considered. Should you be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation considered. Suitable candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record, financial checks, qualification verification, citizenship checks, social media, reference checks and employment verification). Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The Department reserves the right not to make any appointment(s) to the advertised post(s). Applicants who do not comply with the above-mentioned requirements, as well as applications received late, will not be considered. Failure to submit all the requested documents will result in the application not being considered during the selection process. All successful candidates will be expected to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement within 3 months of appointment, as well as be required to undergo a security clearance three (3) months after appointment. The Office the Chief Justice complies with the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA); Act No. 4 of 2013. We will use your personal information provided to us for the purpose of recruitment only and more specifically for the purpose of the position/vacancy you have applied for. In the event that your application was unsuccessful, the Office of the Chief Justice will retain your personal information for internal audit purposes as required by policies. All the information requested now or during the process is required for recruitment purposes. Failure to provide requested information will render your application null and void. The Office of the Chief Justice will safeguard the security and confidentiality of all information you shared during the recruitment process. OTHER POSTS