State Advocate x2
Job Details
Post Number: 39/95
Job Title: State Advocate
Reference Number: RECRUIT 2026/371
Number of Posts: 2
Advert Status: Re-advertisement
Unit: Specialised Commercial Crime Unit
Salary: R970 221 – R1 600 893 per annum
Salary Level: LP-7 to LP-8 (Total Cost Package)
Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
Department: National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
Minimum Qualification: LLB. Serving prosecutors seeking promotion may hold any appropriate legal qualification.
Minimum Experience: At least five years of post-qualification legal experience.
Right of Appearance: Required in terms of Section 25(2) of the NPA Act, 32 of 1998.
Enquiries: Lemmer Ludwick – (051) 410 6001
Application Email: Recruit2026371@npa.gov.za
Closing Date: Not specified in the supplied advert.
Job Description
The State Advocate will be responsible for prosecuting serious, complex and organised commercial crime and corruption cases on behalf of the State. The successful candidates will assess case dockets, make decisions regarding prosecution, prepare cases for court and represent the State in criminal proceedings. The role also involves guiding investigations, handling appeals and reviews, and dealing with legal representations.
Key Responsibilities
Study and assess case dockets to determine whether criminal prosecution should be instituted.
Conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the State.
Draft charge sheets, indictments and other court documents.
Represent the State in all courts.
Prepare cases for trial, including obtaining additional evidence where necessary.
Lead and cross-examine witnesses during court proceedings.
Present arguments to the court on matters relating to conviction and sentencing.
Study appeals and reviews and prepare legal opinions and heads of argument.
Attend to representations and respond to legal submissions.
Prosecute serious, complex and organised commercial crime and corruption matters.
Guide investigations involving complex or difficult commercial crime cases.
Appear in court in motion applications relating to criminal matters.
Manage court proceedings and case flow independently.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
An LLB qualification.
Serving prosecutors seeking promotion may have any appropriate legal qualification.
At least five years of post-qualification legal experience.
Right of appearance as contemplated in Section 25(2) of the NPA Act, 32 of 1998.
Legal Knowledge and Technical Competencies
Extensive experience in prosecution or litigation.
Strong knowledge of general prosecution.
Good knowledge of civil and/or criminal procedure.
Experience in prosecuting or litigating common-law offences, including:
Fraud.
Theft.
Forgery and uttering.
Commercial crimes and related matters.
Ability to guide investigations, particularly in complex commercial crime matters.
Competence in drafting charge sheets, indictments and court documents.
Experience dealing with legal representations.
Well-developed legal research and legal drafting skills.
Ability to present and argue cases effectively in court.
Financial or accounting background and knowledge of Company Law will be an added advantage.
Skills and Personal Attributes
Ability to act independently, professionally and accountably.
High level of credibility and integrity.
General computer literacy, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Excellent administrative and interpersonal skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to manage court proceedings and case flow effectively.