Paralegal (1 position) (TB00162)

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Potchefstroom is hiring a Paralegal for their Faculty of Law. This role involves providing legal services, representing clients, and supervising students. Applicants should have an LLB, relevant experience, and good communication skills. The position is fixed-term for 12 months, in line with university policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience working in legal services.
• Basic knowledge of advocacy, consultation, administration, and drafting.
• A valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in assigned matters.
• Plan and schedule day-to-day tasks and client files.
• Draft letters and documents at supervisor's request.
• Appear in courts and tribunals.
• Organize meetings and consultations.

Skills

Legal language skills

Computer literacy in MS Word and Office

Good communication skills (verbal and written)

Sound knowledge of consultation and administration

Education

LLB (NQF 7) in Law

Tools

MS Word

Office suite

Job description

Overview

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Potchefstroom

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

About Our Company

NWU

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) | FACULTY OF LAW | POSITION NUMBER: (TB00162) | VACANCY: PARALEGAL (1 POSITION) PEROMNES GRADE: FT99 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT

Job Description

Purpose of the Position

The position is being funded in terms of an agreement entered into between the Faculty of Law and the Association of University Legal Aid Institutions Trust (the AULAI Trust) for the provision of access to justice and legal services in the North-West Province. The appointment is made for a fixed-term period of 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Legal Services, community engagement, social responsiveness
• Represent clients in any matter assigned (criminal and civil matters).
• Plan and schedule day-to-day tasks and diarise all active client files.
• Draft letters, documents and pleadings at the request of the supervisor.
• Appear in Courts and tribunals where applicable.
• Organise meetings and consultations.
• Arrange trial dates.
• Receive and attend to clients.
• Make copies and bind documents where required.
• Take minutes at meetings and consultations and place on client file.
• Send and receive correspondence (fax, email, etc.), acknowledge receipt and file on relevant client file.
• Negotiate and mediate on behalf of clients.
• Furnish advice and opinions to clients in matters entrusted to you.
• Stay abreast of and research the law and case law of relevance to matters entrusted to you.
• Avoid prescription and default judgements.
• Make follow-up on urgent matters and respond to enquiries timeously.
• Draw files on the request of the supervisor.
• Keep register of new files, time utilisation and telephone utilisation.
• Manage telephone calls and convey messages to colleagues.
• Maintain a record of work performance by completing monthly time sheets.
• Maintain a file register of all files handed to you.
• Comply with office instructions, prescripts and directives from supervisors and line managers.
• Attend all required training.
• Occupational Health and Safety: Under health and safety law, each employee has the duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by the former’s actions or omissions at work. Therefore, each employee must co-operate with management, OHS officials and colleagues to help everyone meet their legal requirements, whilst upholding and maintaining general occupational health and safety standards and practices.

Additional Responsibilities

• 3 Assist with assessment, mentoring and supervision of students (WIL / SL)
• Assist with the assessment of practical assignments for Legal Practice and Law Clinic.
• Mentor and supervise students working in the Law Clinic.
• Adhere to deadlines, policies and guidelines of the NWU

Minimum Requirements

• An LLB (NQF 7) in Law.
• Basic knowledge of advocacy, consultation, administration, drafting and file management.
• A valid driver’s license.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience working in legal services.

Added Advantages

• A certificate in mediation.
• A minimum of one (1) year’s experience working in mediation.

Key Functional/Technical Competencies

• Legal language skills
• Computer literacy in MS Word and Office, as well as e-mail, internet and electronic retrieval of legal sources
• Good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Demonstrate language proficiency in order to function optimally in the various multilingual environment of the NWU
• Sound knowledge of consultation, administration and file management skills

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Good interpersonal relations
• The ability to accommodate multiculturalism

Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries

Content: Enquiries regarding job content may be directed to: Ms. Chrisna Nicholson on 018 299 1920. Enquiries regarding recruitment process may be directed to: Mr Byron Louw on 018 285 2304.

Closing Date

Closing date: 10 November 2025

Planned Commencement of Duties

As soon as possible

Notes

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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