Judge’s Secretary x1
Job Details
- Position: Judge’s Secretary
- Reference Number: 2026/08/OCJ
- Salary: R338 106 – R398 277 per annum (Level 07)
Performance agreement required - Centre: Supreme Court of Appeal – Bloemfontein
Job Description
The Judge’s Secretary provides high-level secretarial, administrative, and legal support to a Judge in the Supreme Court of Appeal. The role ensures the smooth running of the Judge’s chambers, court scheduling, case management, and confidential documentation handling.
This is a court-based support role requiring strong administrative discipline, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
1. Legal Secretarial Support
- Provide full secretarial support to the Judge
- Type and format legal documents, including:
- Judgments
- Orders
- Opinions
- Memorandums
- Letters
- Handle Dictaphone typing
2. Court Case Administration
- Store and manage case files securely
- Update files with:
- Postponement orders
- Court documents
- Exhibits and witness lists (criminal matters)
- Maintain organised court records
3. Scheduling & Diary Management
- Arrange and manage Judge’s appointments and meetings
- Diarise court sessions and official visits
- Coordinate circuit court schedules
4. Travel & Logistics
- Arrange travel and accommodation for Judge and circuit courts
- Manage vehicle logistics, including:
- Logbook management
- Vehicle servicing coordination
5. Court Proceedings Support
- Attend court sessions with the Judge
- Record start/end times and adjournments
- Compile daily court statistics
- Ensure accuracy of court recording systems
- Operate digital recording systems for urgent cases
6. Administrative & Reporting Duties
- Prepare reports and documents for the Judge
- Compile expense reports and legal hours records
- Maintain financial disclosure documentation
- Assist with case management reporting
7. Communication & Office Support
- Handle correspondence for the Judge
- Arrange refreshments for meetings and visitors
- Manage Judge’s library and documentation updates
- Maintain confidentiality of all court matters
8. Legal Research Support
- Conduct basic legal research as directed by the Judge
- Assist with retrieving legal information when required
Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Grade 12 (Senior Certificate)
Added Advantage:
- LLB Degree OR Bachelor of Law
- OR minimum 20 completed LLB/BA Law modules
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 2 years’ secretarial experience
- Advantageous:
- Legal or court environment experience
- Valid driver’s license
Skills Required
Administrative & Technical Skills
- Excellent typing skills
- Computer literacy (MS Word)
- Diary and schedule management
- File and records management
- Basic research ability
Communication Skills
- Strong verbal and written English
- Professional telephone etiquette
- Clear and accurate communication
Organisational Skills
- Strong planning and coordination ability
- Ability to meet strict deadlines
- Time management under pressure
- Attention to detail
Personal Attributes
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Professionalism and integrity
- Customer service orientation
- Reliability and responsibility
- Ability to work under pressure
Interpersonal Skills
- Strong interpersonal communication
- Ability to work closely with Judges and court staff
- Professional conduct in a high-pressure environment