Junior Legal Associate - Litigation

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship and training

Hybrid work model

Career progression

Professional development support

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Junior Legal Associate for a busy Litigation department in Port Elizabeth. This hybrid position blends in-office collaboration with remote work on select tasks, ideal for building a strong litigation foundation.

You will work with senior attorneys, gaining exposure to researching, drafting, case prep, and client communications while developing practical courtroom skills in the Eastern Cape region.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• 1–2 years post-qualification litigation experience.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent drafting of pleadings and correspondence.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Knowledge of court rules and procedures.
• Based in or near Port Elizabeth, with hybrid work flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research on diverse issues and precedents.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, and other documents under supervision.
• Assist in preparing cases for trial, including evidence gathering.
• Manage case files, ensuring documents are organized and up-to-date.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
• Attend court appearances and client meetings as required.
• Support senior litigators with ongoing cases.
• Monitor developments in case law related to litigation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.
• Assist with billing and timekeeping processes.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting documents

Case preparation

Verbal & written communication

Teamwork

Time management

Confidentiality

Adaptability

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Articles of Clerkship completed

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable law firm in **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA**, is seeking a motivated Junior Legal Associate to join their busy Litigation department. This hybrid role offers a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, ideal for an ambitious legal professional looking to build a strong foundation in litigation. You will work closely with senior attorneys, gaining invaluable experience in handling a variety of legal disputes. Your responsibilities will include conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, assisting with case preparation, and communicating with clients and court officials. The role is based in **Port Elizabeth**, requiring regular attendance at the office to ensure seamless teamwork and client engagement, while also providing opportunities for remote work on specific tasks. We are committed to fostering the growth of emerging legal talent and providing a supportive environment where you can develop your skills. This is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the practical application of law within a supportive and professional setting in the **Eastern Cape** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research on diverse legal issues and case precedents.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, notices, and other legal documents under attorney supervision.
• Assist in preparing cases for trial, including evidence gathering and witness preparation.
• Manage case files, ensuring all documentation is organized and up-to-date.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
• Attend court appearances and client meetings as required.
• Support senior litigators with various tasks related to ongoing cases.
• Monitor legal developments and case law relevant to litigation practice.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.
• Assist with the billing and timekeeping processes.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Completed articles of clerkship with at least 1-2 years of post-qualification experience in litigation.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in drafting legal documents and correspondence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with court rules and procedures.
• Adaptable and willing to learn in a dynamic legal environment.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Must be based in or near **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA**, and able to attend the office as per the hybrid work agreement.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary.
• Mentorship and training from experienced litigators.
• Exposure to a wide range of legal matters.
• Hybrid work model for work-life balance.
• Opportunity for career progression within the firm.
• Professional development support.
• Supportive and collaborative work culture.