Nelspruit Local Office – High Court Unit Manager

Legal Aid South Africa; Mbombela; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A national public entity is seeking a High Court Unit Manager for its Nelspruit Local Office. The ideal candidate will oversee the administration of the High Court Unit and manage legal aid to the needy. Candidates should have a recognized legal qualification, significant court experience, and leadership skills. This position offers a comprehensive salary package and promotes equity in hiring, ensuring broad representation.

Qualifications

• At least 12 years post-qualification legal experience, including 4 years of court experience.
• Minimum three years’ experience in a management position.
• Valid Code 08 driver’s licence is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage the functioning and administration of the High Court Unit.
• Supervise and guide High Court Unit Legal Practitioners.
• Ensure sound management of the Unit's finances and other assets.
• Manage the client database on SebenzaPETEC.

Skills

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Problem-solving skills

Budget management

Interpersonal skills

Innovative thinking

Education

Recognised tertiary legal qualification (LLB or B.Proc.)

Admitted Attorney or Advocate

Job description

Job Title and Location

High Court Unit Manager – Nelspruit Local Office (Mbombela, Mpumalanga), Legal Aid South Africa.

About Legal Aid SA

Legal Aid SA is a National Public Entity committed to providing quality legal services to indigent and vulnerable persons. It operates across all nine provinces and has been a Top Employer SA for 12 consecutive years.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the functioning and administration of the High Court Unit.
• Manage legal aid to the poor within the area of jurisdiction.
• Supervise and guide High Court Unit Legal Practitioners.
• Allocate cases to private practitioners (Judicare) in High Court cases.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of the annual budget for the Unit.
• Ensure sound management of the Unit's finances and other assets.
• Manage the client database on SebenzaPETEC.

Skills, Knowledge & Attributes

• Recognised tertiary legal qualification (LLB or B.Proc.).
• Admitted Attorney or Advocate with right of appearance in the High Court.
• At least 12 years post‑qualification legal experience (10 years post‑admission), including 4 years of court experience.
• Minimum three years experience in a management position.
• Valid Code 08 driver’s licence (advantage).
• Excellent leadership and people‑development skills with a track record in training.
• Experience in budget preparation and management.
• Strong communication, problem‑solving and interpersonal skills.
• Innovative, creative and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: R,****** (All‑inclusive package) per annum (CM -1).

EEO Statement

The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of Legal Aid SA. Legal Aid SA is committed to promoting equity in race, gender and disability, and will consider candidates who contribute to representativity in line with our numerical targets. Legal Aid SA reserves the right to withdraw posts or not to make an appointment if it best serves its interests.

Application Instructions

Submit a detailed curriculum vitae reflecting the practical application of the position outputs and required competencies by close of business on 26 October ****, quoting the reference number NEL‑HCM/08/10/ in the subject line to ****** or apply online to Theophelus Shange, Tel: ************.