Attorney: Community Action and Research (3-Years)
Job Overview
- Position: Attorney: Community Action and Research (Post Level 9)
- Job ID: 6453
- Contract Duration: 3-Year Contract Appointment
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Closing Date: 29 May 2026
This role combines legal practice, community engagement, legal education, student supervision, and research activities within the university’s Law Clinic environment.
Job Description
The Attorney will provide legal services to community members through the UFS Law Clinic while also supervising candidate attorneys, assisting with legal education and training, participating in research, and supporting community engagement initiatives.
The role is ideal for an admitted attorney who has litigation experience and an interest in legal education, social justice, mentorship, and community-based legal work.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Services and Office Administration
- Provide legal services offered by the Law Clinic.
- Draft court pleadings and legal documentation.
- Attend court appearances.
- Handle legal administration and case management.
- Ensure compliance with internal quality assurance standards.
- Report to Law Clinic and Faculty management structures.
Supervision and Training
- Supervise candidate attorneys.
- Facilitate legal training and mentorship programmes.
- Support the professional development of candidate legal practitioners.
Community Engagement and Research
- Implement and monitor community engagement programmes.
- Assist with community-based legal initiatives and outreach projects.
- Participate in research activities conducted by the Law Clinic.
- Perform administrative tasks linked to community engagement.
Student Teaching and Academic Support
- Assist with academic coordination within the Law Clinic.
- Support community-based learning projects for undergraduate law students.
- Provide consultations and guidance to law students.
- Facilitate legal skills training for students.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- An LLB degree on NQF Level 8 from a South African university.
- Admission as a practising Attorney of 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 3 years of post-admission litigation experience in superior or lower courts within the last 5 years.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
The following would strengthen an application:
- Experience teaching or facilitating legal education in higher education.
- Experience supervising candidate legal practitioners.
- A postgraduate legal qualification or accredited legal practice management course.
Required Skills and Competencies
Professional Skills
- Litigation and legal drafting
- Legal research
- Case management
- Community engagement
- Student mentorship and training
- Administrative and reporting skills
- MS Office proficiency
Personal Competencies
- Adaptability and resilience
- Attention to detail
- Ability to multitask
- Team collaboration
- Leadership and motivation
- Sensitivity to community and student needs
- Ability to work collaboratively and under supervision
Benefits
Although the salary is available on request, the position includes potential benefits such as:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- Housing allowance
- Group life insurance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Important Application Information
Applications must be submitted via the official UFS Careers Portal.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Documents Required
Applicants should include:
- Detailed CV
- Certified qualifications
- Proof of admission as an attorney
- Proof of Right of Appearance
- Proof of good standing with the Legal Practice Council
- ID or passport copy
- Proof of employment (where applicable)
Strong CV Areas for This Position
To improve competitiveness, applicants should emphasise:
- Court litigation experience
- Legal drafting and pleadings
- Community legal work
- Legal education or student mentorship
- Research involvement
- Supervision of candidate attorneys
- Public interest law experience
- Administrative and reporting abilities