About the Role
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is seeking a Legal Administration Officer (MR2) specializing in Litigation Support, based in the vibrant city of Pretoria. This essential role plays a crucial part in ensuring that the department effectively handles legal matters, providing support that not only protects the interests of the government but also upholds the rule of law within our communities. As a Legal Administration Officer, you will engage in various legal processes that directly contribute to the public service, ensuring that justice is served and that the rights of citizens are maintained.
In this position, you will be responsible for drafting legal opinions, consulting with various line functions, and managing litigation matters that arise. Your work will have a significant impact on how the department navigates legal challenges, ensuring that the community receives fair and just outcomes. By joining this dedicated team, you will not only advance your legal career but also contribute to the greater good of South Africa.
About the Department
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of all South Africans, ensuring access to justice through the effective administration of law. With a mandate to enhance the rule of law, the department works tirelessly to provide an efficient legal framework that supports democratic governance and accountability. Working here means being part of a mission-driven organization that values fairness, transparency, and the foundational principles of justice.
What You’ll Do
- Provide legal opinions on losses and damages in accordance with Treasury Regulations.
- Draft legal opinions following established litigation protocols.
- Manage litigation matters, including receiving summonses and notices of motion.
- Assess the merits of cases and gather necessary documentation from relevant departments.
- Consult with line functions to determine instructions for defending or opposing cases.
- Communicate instructions to the State Attorney and oversee the appointment of counsel.
- Monitor the status of legal matters and update the litigation system accordingly.
- Facilitate training sessions on legal matters for departmental staff.
- Prioritize responses to referrals, media inquiries, and parliamentary inquiries.
What You’ll Need
- An LLB degree or a relevant qualification recognized by SAQA.
- A minimum of one year of post-qualification experience in legal or litigation roles.
- Knowledge of Environmental Law, Mining Law, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret and apply laws and policies.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with good negotiation abilities.
- Proficient legal drafting skills and computer literacy.
- A proactive, problem-solving attitude, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
- Valid Code B driver’s license and willingness to travel.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
LLB degree or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA.A minimum of one (1) year post qualification legal/litigation experience.
Knowledge of Environmental Law, Mining Law, Constitutional Law and Administrative Law.
An ability to interpret and apply law, legislations, and policies.
Good analytical and research skills.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Good negotiation skills.
Good legal drafting skills.
Computer literacy.
Ability to work in a team, a pro-active, problem-solving, and positive attitude.
Ability to adhere to deadlines is essential.
A Valid Code B drivers’ license and willingness to travel.
Job Duties
Provide legal opinion on losses and damages suffered by the Department in line with Treasury Regulation and relevant policies.Draft legal opinion in line with litigation protocol.
Handle litigation matters.
Receive summons/ notice of motion.
Determine the merits of matters and obtain documents/information from line functions.
Consult line function and obtain instruction on defending or opposing.
Send instructions to State Attorney and ensure that the counsel is appointed.
Obtain status reports from State Attorneys on matters to update the litigation system.
Ensure finalization of matters.
Ensure the provision of litigation support to the Department.
Facilitate training sessions relating to legal matters.
Ensure that referrals, media and parliamentary enquiries are attended to as priority.
