Law Researcher at KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, Durban

Ref No: 2024/34/OCJ (Re-advertisement)

Salary: R444 036 – R532 602 per annum (Level 09)

The Office of the Chief Justice is inviting applications for the role of Law Researcher at the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court in Durban. This is a re-advertisement; candidates who previously applied are encouraged to re-apply. The successful candidate will be rewarded with a competitive salary bracket between R444,036 and R532,602 and will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements:

  • Matric certificate and an LLB degree or equivalent four-year recognized legal qualification.
  • At least two (2) years of relevant legal experience.
  • A minimum of three (3) years of legal research experience.
  • Proficiency in both domestic and international legal databases.
  • An LLM degree and a valid driver’s license will be advantageous.

Skills and Competencies:

  • Exceptional research and analytical skills.
  • Proficient in report writing and editing.
  • Strong communication skills in both writing and speaking.
  • A deep understanding of the Constitution and relevant legislation.
  • Computer literacy, especially in MS Word, Outlook, and Internet.
  • Experience with legal research programs such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Jutastat.
  • Excellent planning and organizing abilities.
  • The capacity to integrate knowledge from diverse sources.
  • Meticulous attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and independently.

Duties:

  • Conduct thorough legal research to assist judges in judgment preparation.
  • Retrieve and analyze relevant materials from various sources, including electronic and hard copy formats.
  • Prepare comprehensive memoranda summarizing research findings.
  • Proofread and verify references and footnotes in judgments, articles, speeches, and conference papers.
  • Draft speeches, legal articles, and conference notes.
  • Keep the judiciary updated on recent developments in case law and jurisprudence.
  • Assist court personnel with research-related queries.

Selection Process: All shortlisted candidates will participate in a pre-entry practical exercise to evaluate their suitability based on the position’s technical and generic requirements.

For Technical Enquiries: Contact Mrs. K Marais at (031) 492 5562

For HR Enquiries: Contact Ms. SZ Mvuyana at (031) 493 1721

The organisation aims to fulfill its employment equity objectives and highly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

If you meet the qualifications and are looking for a dynamic role in the judiciary, reapply for the Law Researcher position to contribute to the efficient functioning of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court.

For more information and other vacancies within the judiciary sector, visit www.judiciary.co.za. 

Closing date 17 May 2024