About the Role
The Gauteng Division of The High Court is looking for dedicated Judge’s Secretaries to support the critical operations of the judiciary in Pretoria and Johannesburg. This position plays an essential role in ensuring that justice is administered efficiently and effectively, making it a vital part of the public service in South Africa. As a Judge’s Secretary, you will be at the heart of legal proceedings, facilitating the smooth operation of court activities and assisting judges in their daily tasks.
Based in the bustling cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg, this role not only offers a unique opportunity to work closely with the judiciary but also directly impacts the community by contributing to the fair administration of justice. Your efforts will help uphold the rule of law, ensuring that all citizens have access to a transparent and accountable legal system.
About the Department
The Gauteng Division of The High Court is committed to delivering justice and upholding the Constitution of South Africa. The department is responsible for adjudicating a wide range of matters, from civil disputes to criminal cases, and its work is pivotal in maintaining public confidence in the legal system. By joining this team, you will contribute to a mission that is both noble and impactful, ensuring that every case is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.
What You’ll Do
- Manage the Judge’s appointments and meetings, ensuring all schedules are adhered to.
- Type and file judgments accurately, ensuring all documents are organized and accessible.
- Facilitate the delivery of signed draft orders and ensure they are processed correctly.
- Greet and assist visitors, addressing their queries and directing them as needed.
- Maintain an accurate record of all incoming and outgoing documents for the Judge.
- Order and manage stationery and other supplies for the Judge’s office.
- Prepare court rolls and distribute them to relevant stakeholders before proceedings.
- Ensure that all necessary materials and documentation are available for court sessions.
- Handle court exhibits with professionalism and ensure proper control and documentation.
- Assist in arranging travel and accommodation for the Judge as required.
- Submit monthly reports and ensure compliance with departmental guidelines.
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 certificate and at least 20 completed modules towards an LLB, BA, or BCOM Law degree.
- A minimum of two years’ secretarial experience in a relevant field.
- Proficiency in typing and the ability to pass a typing test.
- A valid driver’s licence is advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of South African legal frameworks and court procedures.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to organize and manage tasks effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong research capabilities.
- A professional demeanor and the ability to work under pressure with attention to detail.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below.
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Requirements
Applicants should be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate, a minimum of 20 modules completed towards an LLB, BA / BCOM Law degree.A minimum of two (2) years secretarial experience in the relevant field.
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 69 data claims for process purposes and ensure that all updates on the loose leafs in the Judges library are attended to.
