Law Researcher

Office of the Chief Justice South Africa; Durban; On-site; ZAR 468 000 - 552 000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental judicial organization in Durban seeks a candidate for a legal research position to support judges with legal research and drafting duties. Candidates must possess an LLB degree and at least two years' relevant experience, preferably in a superior court or litigation setting. Strong legal research, writing skills, and the ability to work independently are crucial. The role mandates the preparation of legal opinions and ensuring judges are informed about legal developments, with an attractive annual salary in the range of R468,459 – R551,894.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years in the relevant field.
• Superior Court or litigation experience is an added advantage.
• A valid driver’s license is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and legal research functions for the Judges.
• Prepare and compile legal opinions.
• Draft clear, comprehensive judgments.
• Research and retrieve legal material as requested.

Skills

Excellent research and analytical skills

Report writing and editing skills

Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

Computer literacy (MS Word, Outlook, Internet)

Ability to work independently

Education

LLB degree at NQF level 8

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Jutastat

Job description

Job Location : Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Application Deadline : January 30, 2026

• SALARY : R468 459 – R551 894 per annum (Level 09).
• The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
• CENTRE : KwaZulu-Natal Division of The High Court, Durban.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicants should be in possession of a minimum of an LLB degree at NQF level 8.
• A minimum of two (2) years in the relevant field; Superior Court or litigation experience will be an added advantage.
• A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.
• 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 Word, Outlook and Internet).
• 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.
• Problems 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 :

• Provide support and legal research functions for the Judges and other court officials.
• Prepare and compile legal opinions.
• Provide support with drafting of clear, consistent and comprehensive judgements.
• Ensure that Judges are up to date on recent developments in case law, practice directives and legislation.
• Perform all legal duties for the judges to enable them to prepare judgments.
• Research and retrieve all material from all sources in both hard copy and electronic format on legal issues, as requested by the judges.
• 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.
• Proofread all judgments, articles, speeches and conference papers.
• Verify all references and footnotes in all judgments and legal articles against the original for correctness.
• Correct documents with the help of track changes to allow for the acceptance/rejection of the proposed changes.
• Drafting speeches, conference notes and legal articles.
• Monitoring and bringing to the attention of judges of the court recent developments in case law and jurisprudence.
• Assist court personnel with research related queries as assigned.
• Keep up breast with recent developments in relevant areas of law, such as legislative changes, new precedents, and emerging legal trends.