About the Role
The Gauteng Division of The High Court is seeking motivated individuals for the position of Judge’s Secretaries across various locations, including Pretoria and Johannesburg. This pivotal role provides essential support to judges, ensuring the smooth operation of court proceedings and contributing to the overall efficiency of the judicial system. Working in this capacity means being at the heart of South Africa’s legal framework, where your organizational skills and legal knowledge will significantly impact the community’s access to justice.
As a Judge’s Secretary, you will engage directly with the judiciary and various stakeholders, making this role not only a job but a meaningful career in public service. Your presence in the court will help maintain the integrity of the legal process, ensuring that all proceedings are conducted smoothly and professionally. This position is perfect for someone who is passionate about law and eager to contribute to the public sector in a dynamic environment.
About the Department
The Gauteng Division of The High Court plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served in South Africa. As part of the judiciary, the department is dedicated to providing fair and impartial justice and protecting the rights of all individuals. Working in this department means being part of a team that values integrity, professionalism, and accountability, making a tangible difference in the lives of citizens.
The department is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the judicial process, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of society. Being a part of this team means contributing to a legacy of justice and fairness, which is essential for a thriving democracy.
What You’ll Do
- Manage the Judge’s schedule, including appointments and meetings.
- Type and file judgments, ensuring proper documentation and filing procedures.
- Ensure judgments and draft orders are processed and delivered in a timely manner.
- Greet and assist court visitors, addressing their inquiries professionally.
- Record and manage incoming and outgoing documents efficiently.
- Collect and organize stationery and files necessary for court proceedings.
- Prepare court rolls and distribute materials to relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate registers of reviews and judgments, ensuring timely updates.
- Assist in managing travel and accommodation arrangements for judges.
- Handle exhibits and ensure they are properly documented during criminal proceedings.
What You’ll Need
- Bachelor of Laws or equivalent qualification at NQF level 8.
- Relevant legal experience is essential.
- Ability to pass a typing test.
- Valid driver’s license is advantageous.
- Knowledge of South African Constitution and court procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic information resources.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional planning, organizing, and time management abilities.
- Attention to detail and professionalism in all aspects of work.
How to Apply
Please follow the application instructions provided below.
Requirements
Applicants should be in possession of a Bachelor of Laws or relevant equivalent qualification at NQF level 8 with 480 credits as recognised by SAQA.Legal experience is required.
Candidate to pass a typing test.
A valid driver’s licence will serve as an added advantage.
Knowledge and skills: Knowledge on the Constitution of South, relevant legislatives, regulations, case lines, court online, secretariat prescripts, responsibilities, systems and procedures, Electronic Information Resources, online retrieval and Batho Pele principles.
Skilled in communication, planning and organising, interpersonal, customer service, typing including Dictaphone typing, time management, Microsoft Office Programs, research capabilities, problem solving, judgment and decision making.
Along with the following attributes: Assertive, meticulous, ability to work under pressure, time-bound, flexible, creativity, analytically, professionalism and attention to detail.
Job Duties
Diarise the appointments and meetings of the Judge, type and file the judgments, ensure the Judgments that are handed down (delivered), signed draft orders granted in court or virtually are sent to the Typist for scanning, upload unto Case-lines/Court-Online and the Library.Ensure that all visitors are received, screened and their queries are attended to, record all incoming and outgoing documents, order and collect stationery for the Judge, collect the files before the commencement of a Criminal matter from the Registrar’s office at the Criminal section, keep update the register of reviews and sign on receipt to return the reviews to the Clerk, ensure that the register/template of the reserved judgement is updated and notify the Statistics Officer and the office of the Judge President when judgment has been handed down, ensure that the transcribed judgements from transcribers reach the Judges for approval and signature, prepare court rolls for Opposed Motion and Urgent Court and distribute to stakeholders, ensure that the Heads of Argument from various stakeholders are available to the Judge as per the filing that was done, administer the correct Oath ID or declaration in court, when required, ensure that the bench book of the Judge is prepared and files are taken by Ushers to court before the commencement of the proceedings, ensure that all stakeholders involved are present in court before commencement of proceedings, ensure that all cases are called on record as per the court roll by means of calling the case number and the parties’ names, before a Judge can allow parties to start with their matters, ensure that in the Criminal Court exhibits are handled, controlled and noted professionally, ensure that all the travel, accommodation arrangements are in order and attend to sign the documents for approval, ensure that the Judge’s logbook is submitted on or before the 5th of every month to the Transport Officer, ensure that the car is booked for either maintenance and service, receive the pre-authorisation for the Judge’s vehicle, remind Judge of the invoices so that the submission of the S&T claims can be processed, ensure the submissions of Cell phone and 3G 87 68 data claims for process purposes and ensure that all updates on the loose leafs in the Judges library are attended to.
