Judge’s Secretary- Office of the Chief Justice x1
Job Details
Job Title: Judge’s Secretary
Reference Number: 2026/142/OCJ
Department: Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ)
Court: Supreme Court of Appeal
Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
Salary: R338,106 – R398,277 per annum
Salary Level: Level 07
Employment Requirement: The successful candidate must sign a performance agreement.
Closing Date: Not specified in the supplied advert.
Application Email: 2026/142/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Technical Enquiries: Mr V.Z.J. Zwane – (051) 492 4623
HR Enquiries: Ms D.S.J. Peters – (051) 492 4523
Job Description
The Office of the Chief Justice is inviting applications for the position of Judge’s Secretary at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.
The successful candidate will provide confidential secretarial, administrative, and research support to a Judge. Duties include preparing and formatting legal documents, managing correspondence and court files, coordinating appointments and travel arrangements, conducting legal research, and ensuring the accurate recording and safekeeping of court proceedings and documentation.
The ideal candidate should have strong administrative and typing skills, an understanding of legal processes, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities
Secretarial and Administrative Support
Provide general secretarial and administrative support to the Judge.
Type and format draft memoranda, decisions, opinions, and judgments.
Prepare correspondence, court judgments, and orders, including typing from dictation.
Arrange and diarise appointments, meetings, and official visits.
Make travel and accommodation arrangements.
Arrange refreshments for the Judge and visitors and attend to their needs.
Court and Case File Management
Store, maintain, and safeguard court case files.
Update case files with orders issued by the Judge.
Keep files and documents up to date.
Provide copies of documents to the Registrar when required.
Accompany the Judge to court proceedings.
Perform digital recording of urgent court proceedings after hours.
Ensure the integrity and proper handling of digital court recordings.
Legal Research and Documentation
Conduct legal research as directed by the Judge.
Compile data and prepare reports and other documents as required.
Assist with case management and the preparation of relevant documentation.
Prepare expense reports and financial disclosure statements.
Manage the Judge’s library and keep legal reference materials up to date.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, prescripts, and guidelines.
Vehicle and Logbook Management
Manage the Judge’s vehicle and maintain the vehicle logbook.
Ensure the vehicle is properly managed and used as required.
Undertake driving duties associated with the position when necessary.
Job Requirements
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must have:
A Grade 12 (Matric) certificate; and
An LLB degree, or
At least 20 completed modules towards an LLB, BA Law, BCom Law, or a related qualification at NQF Level 6 recognised by SAQA.
Important: Applicants submitting a partially completed law qualification must include their academic results with the application.
Work Experience
At least 2 years of secretarial experience.
Secretarial experience in a legal or court environment will be an added advantage.
Additional Requirements
A valid driver’s licence.
Shortlisted candidates must pass a typing test.
Skills and Competencies
Knowledge of the Constitution of South Africa.
Understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and case law.
Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office.
Strong legal research skills.
Proficiency in English.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Typing, document formatting, and administrative skills.
Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
Good customer service skills.
Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure.
High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
Confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive legal information.
Effective time management and prioritisation.