POST 08/299 : LAW RESEARCHER REF NO: 2025/420/OCJ
SALARY : R468 459 – R551 823 per annum (Level 09). The successful candidate will be
required to sign a performance agreement.
CENTRE : Free State Division of the High Court: Bloemfontein

REQUIREMENTS : Applicants should be in possession of an LLB degree or four year recognised legal qualification; A minimum of three (3) years relevant legal research experience. Sound knowledge of domestic and international legal databases. A valid driver’s license and an LLM degree will be an added advantage. All shortlisted candidates shall undertake a pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment method to determine the candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements. Skills and Competencies: Excellent
research and analytical skills; Report writing and editing skills; Excellent communication skills (written and verbal); Understanding of the Constitution and relevant legislation; Computer literacy (MS Office); Ability to access and utilize computer research programmes (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastat); Planning and organizing; Ability to integrate knowledge from diverse sources; Accuracy and attention to detail; Interpersonal skills; Problem solving skills; Ability to work under pressure; Ability to work independently. All shortlisted candidates shall undertake a pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment method to determine the candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements.

DUTIES : Research and retrieve all material from all sources in both hard copy and electronic format on legal issues, as requested by the judges and other personnel of the court. Read all the relevant material and analyse it thoroughly. Discuss all possible variations on a legal point with colleagues and/or the judge. Prepare a comprehensive memorandum on the outcome of the research. Proof read all judgments, articles, speeches and conference papers. Verify all references and footnotes in all judgments and legal articles against the original text for correctness. Correct documents with the help of track changes to allow for the acceptance/rejection of the proposed changes. Drafting of speeches, conference notes and legal articles. Monitoring and bringing to the attention of judges of the court recent developments in case law and jurisprudence. Attend to additional duties as assigned.

ENQUIRIES : Technical related enquiries: Mr. A. Knoetze Tel No: (051) 492 4523
HR Related enquiries: Ms D. Peters Tel No: (051) 492 4523
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be sent via email to: 2025/420/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
NOTE : OCJ will give preference to candidates in line with the departmental Employment Equity goals

The Office of the Chief Justice is an equal opportunity employer. In the filling of vacant posts, the objectives of section 195 (1)(i) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996, the Employment Equity imperatives as defined by the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act55) of 1998) and the relevant Human Resources policies of the Department will be taken into consideration and preference will be given to Women, Persons with Disabilities and youth.
APPLICATIONS : Free State Division of the High Court: Quoting the relevant reference number, direct your application to: The Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X20612, Bloemfontein, 9300 or hand deliver applications to the Free State High Court, Corner President Brand and Fontein Street, Bloemfontein, 9301.
CLOSING DATE : 20 March 2026
NOTE : All applications must be submitted on a New Z83 form, which can be downloaded on internet at www.judiciary.org.za /
www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/vacancies.asp or obtainable from any Public Service Department and should be accompanied by a recent comprehensive CV only; contactable referees (telephone numbers and email addresses must be indicated). Please send your documents in a PDF and put them in one folder.