Attorney: Community Action and Research (3 years)
Job Details
- Job Title: Attorney: Community Action and Research
- Job ID: 6596
- Reference: Previously advertised as Job ID 6453
- Department: UFS Law Clinic, Faculty of Law
- Employer: University of the Free State
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State
- Contract: 3 years
- Occupational Level: Junior Management – Post Level 9
- Assumption of Duties: 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible
- Closing Date: 17 September 2026
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The Attorney: Community Action and Research will play an important role in delivering legal services through the UFS Law Clinic while contributing to community engagement, legal research and student development.
The position combines legal practice, supervision, community engagement, research and legal education. The successful applicant will also assist with the training and supervision of candidate attorneys and undergraduate law students.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Services and Administration
The successful candidate will:
- Perform administrative duties related to the provision of legal services.
- Provide legal services in line with those offered by the UFS Law Clinic.
- Draft court pleadings and attend court appearances.
- Report to relevant management structures within the UFS Law Clinic and Faculty of Law.
- Comply with internal quality assurance requirements.
Leadership, Supervision and Training
Responsibilities will include:
- Facilitating and assisting with the training of candidate attorneys.
- Supervising candidate attorneys.
- Providing guidance and support to candidate legal practitioners.
Community Engagement and Research
The successful candidate will:
- Implement, facilitate and monitor community engagement programmes and projects.
- Perform administrative duties related to community engagement.
- Participate actively in UFS Law Clinic research activities.
Student Teaching and Training
The role will also involve:
- Contributing to academic coordination.
- Performing administrative duties related to student teaching.
- Facilitating community-based learning programmes for undergraduate law students.
- Providing consultation sessions to undergraduate law students.
- Facilitating and assisting with the training of undergraduate law students.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all the inherent requirements for the position.
Applicants must have:
- An LLB degree at NQF Level 8 from a South African university.
- Current admission and practising status as an Attorney in the High Court of South Africa.
- Right of Appearance in terms of Section 25(3) of the Legal Practice Act.
- Good standing with the relevant Legal Practice Council.
- At least three years’ post-admission experience in superior court and/or lower court litigation within the preceding five years.
Applicants must provide documentary proof of the relevant qualifications, admission, right of appearance and good standing.
Recommended Experience
The following will be advantageous:
- At least three years’ experience teaching, facilitating legal education and/or providing legal training in a higher education environment.
- Experience supervising candidate legal practitioners.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification.
- An accredited legal practice management course.
Required Competencies
Results Orientated
- Ability to adapt to a frequently changing environment.
- Persistence and determination when completing tasks.
- Ability to overcome obstacles and achieve objectives.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage several activities simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Organised approach to work and commitment to high-quality outcomes.
Business Acumen
- Ability to follow rules, regulations and work procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leading
- High levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- Ability to cooperate with colleagues and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Sensitivity and understanding of the needs and feelings of others.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, the position offers a range of UFS fringe benefits, which may include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits