Law Researchers x4 posts at Office of the Chief Justice for unskilled LLB graduates
- Career Exibs SA
- May 9
- 9 min read
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE
The Office of the Chief Justice is an equal opportunity employer. In the filling of vacant posts, the objectives of section
195 (1)(i) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996, the Employment Equity imperatives as defined by the Employment
Equity Act, 1998 (Act55) of 1998) and the relevant Human Resources policies of the Department will be taken into
consideration and preference will be given to Women, Persons with Disabilities and youth.
APPLICATIONS : National Office (Midrand): Quoting the relevant reference number, direct your application to:
The Director: Human Resources, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X10, Marshalltown,
2107 or hand deliver applications to the Office of the Chief Justice, Human Resource
Management, 188, 14th Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1685.
Free State/Bloemfontein: Quoting the relevant reference number, direct your application to: The
Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X20612, Bloemfontein, 9300 or hand
deliver applications to the Free State High Court, Corner President Brand and Fontein Street,
Bloemfontein, 9301
Western Cape: Quoting the relevant reference number, direct your application to: The Provincial
Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X14, Vlaeberg, 8018. Applications can also be
hand delivered to 30 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
Kimberley: Quoting the relevant reference number, direct your application to: The Provincial
Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X5043, Kimberley, 8300. Applications can also be
hand delivered to: The High Court, Sol Plaaitjie Drive, Room B107, Kimberley
Land Court/Pretoria/labour and Labour Appeals Court: Quoting the relevant reference
number, direct your application to: The Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag
X7, Johannesburg, 2000. Applications can also be hand delivered to the 12th floor, Cnr Pritchard
and Kruis Street, Johannesburg
Pietermaritzburg: Quoting the relevant reference number, direct your application to: Application
can also be hand delivered to Office of the Chief Justice, Human Resource Management, 1st
Floor, CNR Somtseu & Stalwart, Simelane Streets, Durban, 4000.
Eastern Cape/ Gqeberha/Mthatha: Quoting the relevant reference number, direct your
application to: The Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Postal Address: Private Bag
X13012, Cambridge 5206, East London. Applications can also be hand delivered to 59 Western
Avenue, Sanlam Park Building, 2nd Floor, Vincent 5242, East London
CLOSING DATE : 23 May 2025
POST 15/177 : LAW RESEARCHER REF NO: 2025/ 67/OCJ
SALARY : R468 459 - R551 823. per annum (Level 09). The successful candidate will be required to sign a
performance agreement.
CENTRE : Northern Cape Division of the High Court: Kimberley
REQUIREMENTS : Matric Certificate and an LLB degree or four year recognized legal qualification at NQF level 8; A
minimum of two (2) years relevant post qualification legal experience; A minimum of three (3)
years legal research experience; Sound knowledge of domestic and international legal databases
A valid driver’s license; Completed articles will be an added advantage. An LLM will be an added
advantage. Skills and Competencies: Excellent research and analytical skills; Report writing and
editing skills; Excellent communication skills (written and verbal); Understanding of the
Constitution and relevant legislation; Computer literacy (MS Word, Outlook and Internet); Ability
to access and utilize computer research programmes (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastat); Planning
and organizing; Ability to integrate knowledge from diverse sources; Accuracy and attention to
detail; Interpersonal skills; Problems solving skills; Ability to work under pressure; Ability to work
independently. All shortlisted candidates shall undertake a pre-entry practical exercise as part of
the assessment method to determine the candidate's suitability based on the post's technical and
generic requirements.
DUTIES : Perform all legal duties for the judges to enable them to prepare judgments. Research and
retrieve all material from all sources in both hard copy and electronic format on legal issues, as
requested by judges. Read all the relevant material and analyse it thoroughly. Discuss all possible
variations on a legal point with colleagues and/or the judge. Prepare a comprehensive
memorandum on the outcome of the research. Proof read all judgments, articles, speeches and
conference papers. Verify all references and footnotes in all judgments and legal articles against
the original text for correctness. Correct documents with the help of track changes to allow for the
acceptance/rejection of the proposed changes. Drafting of speeches, conference notes and legal
articles. Monitoring and bringing to the attention of judges of the court recent developments in
case law and jurisprudence. Assist court personnel with research related queries as assigned.
ENQUIRIES : HR related enquiries: Ms L Wymers Tel No: (053) 492 3533
Applications can be sent via email at 2025/61/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
NOTE : The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.
POST 15/178 : LAW RESEARCHER (X2 POSTS)
SALARY : R468 459 - R551 823 per annum (Level 09). The successful candidate will be required to sign a
performance agreement.
CENTRE Supreme Court of Appeal: Bloemfontein Ref No: 2025/68/OCJ
Free State Division of the High Court: Bloemfontein Ref No: 2025/69/OCJ
REQUIREMENTS : Grade 12. LLB degree or four year recognized legal qualification. A minimum of two (2) years
relevant legal experience. A minimum of three (3) years legal research experience. Sound
knowledge of domestic and international legal databases. A driver’s license will be an added
advantage. An LLM will be an added advantage. Skills and Competencies: Excellent research
and analytical skills; Report writing and editing skills; Excellent communication skills (written and
verbal); Understanding of the Constitution and relevant legislation; Computer literacy (MS Word,
Outlook and Internet); Ability to access and utilize computer research programmes (Westlaw,
LexisNexis, Jutastat); Planning and organizing; Ability to integrate knowledge from diverse
sources; Accuracy and attention to detail; Interpersonal skills; Problems solving skills; Ability to
work under pressure; Ability to work independently. All shortlisted candidates shall undertake a
pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment method to determine the candidate's
suitability based on the post's technical and generic requirements.
DUTIES : Perform all legal duties for the judges to enable them to prepare judgments. Research and
retrieve all material from all sources in both hard copy and electronic format on legal issues, as
requested by judges. Read all the relevant material and analyse it thoroughly. Discuss all possible
variations on a legal point with colleagues and/or the judge. Prepare a comprehensive
memorandum on the outcome of the research. Proof read all judgments, articles, speeches and
conference papers. Verify all references and footnotes in all judgments and legal articles against
the original text for correctness. Correct documents with the help of track changes to allow for the
acceptance/rejection of the proposed changes. Drafting of speeches, conference notes and legal
articles. Monitoring and bringing to the attention of judges of the court recent developments in
case law and jurisprudence. Assist court personnel with research related queries as assigned.
ENQUIRIES : HR related enquiries: Ms L Wymers Tel No: (053) 492 3533
Applications can be sent via email at 2025/62/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
NOTE : The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.
POST 15/179 : LAW RESEARCHER REF NO: 2025/70/OCJ
SALARY : R468 459 - R551 823 per annum (Level 09). The successful candidate will be required to sign a
performance agreement.
CENTRE : Land Court: Randburg,
REQUIREMENTS : Grade 12, LLB Degree at (NQF 08), valid driver’s license, a minimum of two (02) years’ legal
experience and a minimum of three (03) years legal research experience. Superior or litigation
experience will be an added advantage. Skills and Competencies: 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,
Employment Equity Act, Practice Manual of the Court, Sound understanding of South African law
and judicial system, Interpretation and application of the law, Batho Pele Principles.
Communication skills (verbal and written), Problem solving and decision-making skills. Excellent
research and analytical skills, Report writing and editing skills, Problem solving skills, Financial
management skills, Strategic skills, Analytical skills, Presentation skills, Planning and organizing
skills, Computer literacy, (Word, PowerPoint & Excel,). All shortlisted candidates shall undertake
a pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment method to determine the candidate's
suitability based on the post's technical and generic requirements.
DUTIES : Conduct legal research on various legal issues. Statutes, rules, regulations and case law.
Analyse and supply complex legal principles and provide summaries and briefs to the judges.
Provide research support to judges in the preparation for hearing 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. Prepare and draft speeches, conference or article. Provide support to
judge with analysing legal arguments submitted by litigates. Evaluate the merits of each
argument. Research both supporting and opposing case law (precedent) and providing
recommendations to the Judges. Summarize legal issues, arguments and relevant case law in
the form of legal memos. Prepare a comprehensive memorandum on the outcome of research.
Provide support to judges in reviewing and proofreading draft judgments to ensure clarity and
accuracy. Proofread all judgments, articles, speeches and conference papers with respect to
spelling grammar. Maintain knowledge of recent legal developments, new legislation and relevant
case law. Monitor legal journals to ensure that judges have access to the latest legal information.
Keep up-to-date with recent development in relevant areas of law, such as legislative changes,
new precedents and emerging legal trends.
ENQUIRIES : Technical/HR related enquires: Ms T Mbalekwa Tel No: (010) 494 8515
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be sent via email at 2025/63/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
NOTE The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.
NOTE : 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. 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 fully complete, sign and initial the application
form will lead to 40 disqualification of the application during the selection process. Applications
on the old Z83 will unfortunately not be considered. Should you be in a possession of a foreign
qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African
Qualification Authority (SAQA). Dual citizenship holders must provide the Police Clearance
certificate from the country of origin (when shortlisted all non - SA Citizens will be required to
submit a copy of proof of South African permanent residence). Applications that do not comply
with the above-mentioned requirements will not be considered. Suitable candidates will be
subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record, financial checks, qualification
verification, citizenship checks, 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
shortlisted candidates for Senior Management Service (SMS) posts will be subjected to a
technical competency exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the
logistics of which will be communicated by the Department. Following the interview and technical
exercise, the selection committee will recommend candidates to attend generic managerial
competencies using the mandated Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) SMS
competency assessment tools. Applicants could be required to provide consent for access to
their social media accounts. One of the minimum entry requirements to the Senior Management
Service is the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme (certificate) which is an online
course, endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG). For more details on the pre-entry
course visit: https://www.thensg.gov.za/trainingcourse/sms-pre-entry-programme. The
successful candidate will be required to complete such prior to appointment. 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
National Departments
Download Z83 Forms