LAW RESEARCHER

Job Overview

The Office of the Chief Justice is hiring a Law Researcher for the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria. The role requires an LLB Degree (NQF Level 8) and a minimum of three years of legal research experience. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, analyzing case law, preparing legal memos, and assisting judges with hearings, trials, and the proofreading of judgments. Applicants must submit their applications via email.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Applicants should be in possession of an LLB Degree at (NQF level 8) as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ legal research experience.
• Superior court or litigation experience/A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of Basic Conditions of Employment Act and related labour laws & Departmental policies.
• Knowledge of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, Labour and Labour Appeal Court Rules and Practice Manual.
• Knowledge of Employment Equity Act, Practise 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 communication (verbal & written), problem solving, decision-making, excellent research and analytical skills.
• Report writing and editing, financial management, strategic, presentation, planning and organising, computer literacy (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide support with legal research on various legal issues, statutes, rules, regulations and case law.
• Analyse and apply complex legal principles and provide summaries to the judges.
• Provide research support to judges in the preparation of hearings and trials.
• Carry out research and retrieve all material from all sources in both hard copy and electronic formats on legal issues as requested by a Judge.
• Provide support to the judges with legal arguments analysis submitted by litigants and evaluate merits of each argument.
• Research supporting and opposing case law (precedent) and provide recommendations to the judges.
• Prepare a comprehensive memorandum on the outcome of the legal research in the form of legal memos.
• Provide support to judges in reviewing and proofreading draft judgment(s) to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Proofread all judgments, articles, speeches and conference papers with respect to spelling and grammar.
• Quality assure all references and footnotes in all judgments and legal articles against the original text.
• Monitor legal journals, ensure judges have access to the latest legal information, and keep abreast with recent developments in relevant areas of law.

Enquiries & Contact