LAW RESEARCHER REF NO: 2026/05/OCJ (X2 POSTS)
SALARY : R487 197 – R573 897 per annum (Level 09). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
CENTRE : Free State High Court: Johannesburg
REQUIREMENTS : Applicants should be in possession of an LLB degree or a four-year recognized legal qualification. A minimum of three (3) years’ legal research experience. Superior court or litigation experience, An LLM degree and a valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage. 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. Knowledge and skills: Excellent research and analytical skills.
Report writing and editing skills. Excellent communication skills (written and
verbal). Computer literacy (MS Word, Outlook and Internet), (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.
DUTIES : Provide support to legal research functions for the Judges and other Court officials. Provide support with legal research on various legal issues, statutes, rules, regulations, and case law. Analyse and apply complex legal principles and provide summaries to the Judges. Provide research support to Judges in the preparation of hearings 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. Study all the relevant material and provide a
thorough analysis thereof. Prepare and compile legal opinions.
Provide support to the Judges with legal arguments analysis submitted by litigants and evaluate merits of each argument. Research supporting and opposing case law (precedent) and provide recommendations to the Judges. Review legal issues,
arguments, and relevant case law in the form of legal memos. Prepare a
comprehensive memorandum on the outcome of the legal research. Provide
support with drafting of clear consistent and comprehensive judgments.
Provide support to Judges in reviewing and proofreading draft judgment(s) to
ensure clarity and accuracy. Proofread all judgments, articles, speeches and
conference papers with respect to spelling and grammar. Quality assure all
references and footnotes in all judgments and legal articles against the original
text to ensure correctness and accuracy. Correct mistakes (typos) with the help
of track changes so that Judges can accept or decline any proposed changes.
Ensure that Judges are up to date on recent developments in case law, practice
directives and legislation. Quality assure the maintenance of knowledge of
recent legal developments, new legislation, and relevant case law. provide
support to the monitoring of legal journals and ensure that Judges have access
to the latest legal information. Keep up breast with recent developments in
relevant areas of law, such as legislative changes, new precedents, and
emerging legal trends.
ENQUIRIES : Technical Related Enquiries: Ms. Ms T Nzimande Tel No: (010) 494 9238 HR Related Enquiries: Ms T Mbalekwa Tel No: (010) 494 8515
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be sent via email at 2026/05/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
NOTE : The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with Employment
Equity goals.