Senior Attorney

Hashtag Nonprofit Npc; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on environmental justice seeks a Senior Attorney in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will have extensive litigation experience and be committed to protecting biodiversity. Responsibilities include managing cases, supervising junior attorneys, and providing legal advice to NGOs. Applicants should hold an LLB and have a minimum of five years' post-qualification experience.

Qualifications

• At least five years’ post-qualification experience, including High Court litigation.
• Experience managing complex litigation matters and people management.
• Excellent writing skills and ability to prepare comments on draft policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and undertake litigation for conservation NGOs.
• Manage litigation timelines and oversee court processes.
• Supervise junior attorneys and ensure timely progress on active matters.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal advocacy

Leadership skills

Legal research skills

Public speaking

Education

LLB or equivalent

LLM in administrative or environmental law

Admission as attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

Biodiversity Law Centre – Senior Attorney

Deadline: 30 September 2024

Region: Cape Town | Salary: R R | Type of employment: Full time

Overview

We are seeking an admitted attorney with at least five years’ litigation and legal advocacy experience to lead a team of junior attorneys and play an integral role in executing the Centre’s strategy. The ideal candidate is eager to protect and restore biodiversity in Southern Africa, support human rights and environmental justice, and advise NGOs and community organisations.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and undertake litigation for conservation NGOs and community-based organisations, including drafting correspondence, pleadings, and memos.
• Manage the Centre’s cases, oversee litigation timelines, deliverables, and court processes.
• Allocate legal work to junior attorneys based on capacity, strengths, and development needs.
• Ensure timely progress on all active matters and identify risks or delays.
• Provide expert input into draft policies and legislation relating to biodiversity.
• Make submissions in Parliament and key forums.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, guiding legal research, drafting, and litigation.
• Review and quality‑check legal documents and correspondence before submission.
• Build junior attorney capacity through informal training, feedback, and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on programme development and legal advocacy strategies.
• Represent the Centre in engagements with partners, counsel, public interest allies, and affected communities.
• Draft or review high‑level submissions, legal correspondence, or public advocacy material as needed.
• Provide support to the Executive Director in compiling and coordinating grant and funding proposals.
• Contribute to the development of internal policies, legal protocols, and knowledge management systems.

Qualifications and Requirements

• LLB or equivalent qualification.
• LLM, particularly in administrative or environmental law, an advantage.
• Admission as attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• At least five years’ post‑qualification experience, including High Court litigation, constitutional and administrative law, and public interest litigation; experience in environmental litigation an advantage.
• Experience managing complex litigation matters, providing strategic advice, and overseeing work of junior attorneys.
• Aptitude for leadership and managerial competence, including at least three years’ experience in a management role, people management, and commitment to junior attorneys’ career development.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• Experience preparing comments on draft policy and legislation.
• Sound understanding of legal and procedural requirements for environmental decision‑making and legal challenges.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Networking skills and strong capability in building support among stakeholders, partners, and networks.
• Willingness to speak in public forums, including media interviews and conferences.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, multitasking in a fast‑paced work environment.
• Self‑starter, able to work independently and under pressure, and willing to assist the Executive Director with legal work and other tasks related to development and implementation of strategic programmes.

How to Apply

Please send the following documents to [e-mail] with the subject line “BLC Senior Attorney Application – Your Name”: 1) A cover letter setting out your skills and relevant experience, and why you want to work at the Centre; 2) A copy of your CV; 3) Two recent written references (including contact details) and contact details of the third. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete relevant tests or an assignment to demonstrate competency.