Law Researcher: Office of the Chief Justice x1
Job Details
Job Title: Law Researcher
Reference Number: 2025/420/OCJ
Department: Office of the Chief Justice
Location (Centre): Bloemfontein (Free State Division of the High Court)
Salary: R468,459 – R551,823 per annum (Level 09)
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Purpose (Overview)
The Law Researcher provides comprehensive legal research and analysis to support judges and court personnel.
This includes reviewing case law, legislation, and legal databases, drafting memoranda, and ensuring accuracy in judgments, legal articles, and speeches.
Minimum Requirements
LLB degree or four-year recognised legal qualification
Minimum 3 years relevant legal research experience
Valid driver’s license
LLM degree (advantage)
Experience with legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastat)
Key Skills & Competencies
Excellent legal research and analytical skills
Report writing and editing
Strong written and verbal communication
Knowledge of the Constitution and relevant legislation
Computer literacy (MS Office)
Planning and organizing
Attention to detail and accuracy
Interpersonal and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and under pressure
Key Responsibilities
Research & Analysis
Retrieve legal material from both hard copy and electronic sources
Read and analyse relevant materials thoroughly
Prepare comprehensive legal memoranda for judges
Monitor developments in case law and jurisprudence
Drafting & Proofreading
Proofread judgments, articles, speeches, and conference papers
Verify references and footnotes against original sources
Correct documents using track changes
Draft speeches, conference notes, and legal articles
Collaboration & Support
Discuss legal points with judges and colleagues
Attend to additional duties as assigned by the court
Work Environment & Expectations
Office-based within the High Court environment
Close collaboration with judges and court staff
Work requires high accuracy, attention to detail, and analytical ability
Pre-entry practical assessment will be required for shortlisted candidates
Enquiries
Technical: Mr A. Knoetze – (051) 492 4523
HR: Ms D. Peters – (051) 492 4523
Application Details
Email: 2025/420/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Employment Equity: Preference in line with departmental goals
Key Notes
Senior legal research position within the judiciary
High focus on accuracy, research skills, and drafting ability
Requires 3+ years of research experience and strong legal knowledge