National Office – Land Rights Management Unit – Junior Attorney

REF: NO/JA/8/10/2021

LAND RIGHTS MANAGEMENT UNIT: JUNIOR ATTORNEY

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL OFFICE

Legal Aid SA is a National Public Entity; a key contributor to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, providing quality legal services to indigent and vulnerable persons. The organisation has a national footprint in all nine provinces. Legal Aid SA is a credible employer of choice, boasting Top Employer SA accreditation for 12 consecutive years. We offer an exciting Employment Value Proposition with opportunities for development, career growth and an inspiring workplace.

Applications are invited from persons interested to fill the above-mentioned position. The incumbent will be appointed on a permanent basis. The position is based in Braamfontein.

PURPOSE

To provide legal services to farm occupiers, farmworkers, labour tenants and restitution claimants and the vulnerable in the coverage area of the Unit, in accordance with Legal Aid SA policies, procedures and standards.

KEY OUTPUTS

  • Leading the way in handling complex legal challenges in a professional manner and with dignity.
  • Empathise with farm occupiers, farmworkers, labour tenants and restitution claimants.
  • Mediate and negotiate where there is a dispute between landowners and farm occupiers, farmworkers and labour tenants.
  • Support, supervise and guide Paralegal in dealing with complex and challenging legal issues in respect of land matters.
  • Understand and interpret land reform and relevant legislation, such as LTA, ESTA, Restitution Act, Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and PAJA, et cetera.
  • Understand and interpret contracts and agreements.
  • Draft pleadings and court documents accurately, drafting Heads of Argument and structuring complex legal documents.
  • Develop case strategy to ensure professional and expert legal representation in complex civil and criminal matters.
  • Provide expert opinion on current law to ensure the highest quality of services provided to Legal Aid SA clients.
  • Research current law with a view to develop the law to make it relevant in a constitutional democracy.
  • Identify current socioeconomic conditions and develop cases for litigation.
  • Take comprehensive and accurate statements from clients and ensure the provision of legal services is aligned to and responsive to client needs.
  • Training and development to improve one’s own technical and strategic capability and capacitate Paralegal and Admin staff at the Land Rights Management Unit.
  • Contribute to the publication of pamphlets, books and flyers.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES)

  • A South African legal tertiary qualification – LLB or B Proc degree.
  • Admitted Attorney/Advocate (the latter must have completed pupilage successfully at an institution recognised by Legal Aid SA).
  • At least 2 years’ post-qualification legal experience or exposure to criminal and civil litigation.
  • Thorough knowledge of the core legal practice disciplines and how to implement and leverage these within the human rights legal environment.
  • Thorough knowledge of litigation at District Court level, legal drafting, legal training and development, legal practice ethical and professional compliance management.
  • Effective working relationship with Management.
  • Excellent organisational and leadership skills and providing consistently high-quality professional legal services.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Strong analytical ability and excellent communication skills.

BASIC SALARY: R301,452.00 plus benefits per annum

A detailed curriculum vitae reflecting practical application of the position outputs and the required competencies as advertised must be submitted by close of business on 19 October 2021, quoting the reference number NO/JA/8/10/2021 in the subject line to Recruit@legal-aid.co.za or apply online at www.legal-aid.co.za 

Enquiries to Eulender Mafolo, Tel: 011 877 2000

The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of Legal Aid SA. It is Legal Aid SA’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post(s) with a candidate whose transfer/promotion/appointment will promote representivity in line with the numerical targets as contained in our Employment Equity Plan. Legal Aid SA reserves the right to withdraw posts or not to make an appointment, if by doing so, the interests of Legal Aid SA will be best served.

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