Junior Legal Officer

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension fund contributions after Prob.

Medical aid contributions after Prob.

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a motivated Junior Legal Officer for a prominent legal firm in Gauteng. This hybrid role combines focused office work with remote flexibility, supporting senior lawyers on various casework, including research and document preparation.

You will gain exposure to diverse areas of legal practice, with a pathway to develop expertise in a supportive environment. The position emphasizes accuracy, organization, and client liaison within a well-established firm.

Qualifications

• A relevant legal qualification is required or actively pursuing an LLB degree.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and standard office software.

Responsibilities

• Conduct preliminary legal research on statutes, case law, and precedents.
• Assist in drafting and preparing legal documents including pleadings and contracts.
• Organize case files and ensure documentation is accurate and secure.
• Communicate with clients to gather information and provide updates under supervision.
• Support senior lawyers in court appearances and client consultations.
• Assist with legal billing and expense tracking.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent legal firm based in Tembisa, Gauteng , is actively seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Legal Officer to join their growing practice. This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment where you will gain invaluable experience supporting senior legal professionals on a variety of casework. You will be involved in preliminary legal research, document preparation, and client liaison, contributing to the efficient operation of the firm. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in legal principles and a keen desire to develop their expertise within a supportive and challenging setting. This position is designed for an individual eager to build a successful career in the legal field and make a tangible contribution to client outcomes. You will experience a blend of focused office-based work and the flexibility of remote work, promoting a balanced professional life.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct preliminary legal research on statutes, case law, and legal precedents relevant to ongoing matters.
• Assist in the drafting and preparation of legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, and correspondence.
• Organize and manage case files, ensuring all documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and securely stored.
• Communicate with clients to gather information, schedule appointments, and provide case updates under supervision.
• Support senior lawyers in court appearances and client consultations.
• Process legal correspondence and manage incoming/outgoing mail and emails.
• Perform administrative tasks such as photocopying, scanning, and data entry related to legal proceedings.
• Attend internal case meetings and contribute to discussions on case strategy.
• Assist with legal billing and expense tracking.

Requirements

• A relevant legal qualification, such as a National Diploma in Legal Studies, or currently pursuing an LLB degree.
• Some practical legal experience or internships would be advantageous, but not essential.
• A strong understanding of South African legal procedures and terminology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
• Proficiency in using legal research tools and standard office software (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• A willingness to learn and adapt in a professional legal environment.
• Reside within reasonable commuting distance of Tembisa, Gauteng to facilitate the hybrid work model.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary with regular reviews.
• Opportunities for professional development and mentorship from experienced legal professionals.
• Exposure to diverse areas of legal practice.
• A collaborative and supportive office culture.
• Hybrid work arrangement balancing office presence with remote flexibility.
• Contribution to a reputable and well-established legal firm.
• Pension fund and medical aid contributions after probation period.