Government Secretary 2025 (x12)
Job Description: Legal Secretary (3-Year Contract)
Location: Various Centres Across South Africa (including Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Durban, Centurion, Mbombela Magistrate Office, Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Waterberg)
Contract Duration: 3 years
Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07), plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Closing Date: [Insert closing date]
Reference Numbers: Applicable per centre (see application details)
Introduction
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development invites qualified, motivated candidates to apply for the position of Legal Secretary. This position offers a three-year fixed-term contract with the opportunity to support the administration of justice within various court centres across South Africa.
Legal Secretaries play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of judicial offices. The position requires strong administrative support skills, confidentiality, and excellent communication abilities. Candidates will assist Judges and other judicial officers by managing court documents, correspondence, appointments, and related duties, thus contributing to effective court management and public service delivery.
Salary and Contract Details
–The Legal Secretary position is classified as Level 07, with a salary range between R308,154 and R362,994 per annum.
-An additional 37% in lieu of benefits is payable, compensating for the absence of housing or medical aid benefits.
-Appointment is subject to signing a performance agreement outlining key responsibilities and expectations for the duration of the contract.
Location and Posts Available
Positions are available in multiple locations including but not limited to:
-Johannesburg (Office of the State Attorney)
-Nelspruit (Office of the State Attorney)
-Durban (State Attorney’s Office)
-Centurion (Regional Coordination and Oversight)
-Mbombela Magistrate Office
-Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe, and Waterberg
Applicants are required to specify the location and corresponding reference number when applying.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
-Educational Qualifications: Applicants must possess a Matric certificate (Grade 12) as a minimum. Furthermore, a law-elated academic background is essential. Candidates should hold an LLB degree or have completed a minimum of 20 modules towards an LLB or BCom Law Degree. Certified academic results must accompany the application.
-Experience: A minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of secretarial experience or experience working as an office assistant within a legal environment is required. This ensures familiarity with legal terminology, procedures, and documentation.
-Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is required, as the role may involve travel between court centres or other legal offices.
-Typing Test: Candidates shortlisted for the position will be required to pass a typing test, which may include the use of dictaphone transcription.
Skills and Competencies
Candidates should possess the following skills and attributes to succeed in the Legal Secretary role:
-Proficiency in English: Strong command of both written and verbal English to prepare legal documents and communicate effectively.
-Excellent Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with judges, attorneys, court officials, and members of the public.
-Administrative and Organisational Skills: Ability to manage schedules, prioritize tasks, and maintain comprehensive filing systems.
-Interpersonal Skills: Ability to maintain professionalism and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
-Ability to Work Under Pressure: Competency in managing multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, often high-pressure court environment.
-Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in typing, filing, and preparing legal documents to maintain the integrity of court proceedings.
-Customer Service Orientation: Polite and helpful manner when attending to visitors, legal professionals, and public enquiries.
-Typing and Dictaphone Skills: High typing speed and accuracy, including transcription of dictated material.
-Confidentiality: Strict adherence to confidentiality protocols due to the sensitive nature of legal documents and information.
-Time Management: Ability to organize workload effectively to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
-Computer Literacy: Proficiency with Microsoft Word, email communication, and basic internet research capabilities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Legal Secretary will be responsible for a wide range of duties that support judicial officers and court operations. These include but are not limited to the following:
Telephone and Visitor Management:
-Attend and screen all incoming and outgoing calls on behalf of the Judge
-Greet and assist visitors and legal practitioners, managing enquiries professionally and courteously.
-Diary Management:
-Schedule appointments, meetings, and court sessions for the Judge, ensuring accurate diarization.
Typing and Document Preparation:
-Type judgments, court orders, correspondences, and other legal documents ensuring high accuracy and adherence to formatting standards.
-File documents and correspondences correctly in designated sections for easy retrieval.
-Dispatch signed judgments and orders promptly to typists, the court library, and relevant parties.
Court File Management:
-Ensure all court files are complete, up-to-date, and ready for hearings or reviews.
-Verify the accuracy and completeness of files received from various court sections.
-Maintain registers such as review logs and reserved judgment templates.
Stakeholder Notifications:
-Notify attorneys, litigants, and other stakeholders regarding judgment hand-downs and court schedules.
Court Rolls Preparation:
-Prepare and distribute court rolls to all relevant stakeholders ahead of court sessions.
-Receive, verify, and file Heads of Arguments submitted by parties involved in court matters.
Bench Book Preparation:
-Compile and prepare the Judge’s bench book, ensuring all relevant files and documents are available in court before proceedings commence.
Stationery and Supplies:
-Manage orders for stationery and office supplies required by the Judge and ensure timely replenishment.
Work Environment and Expectations
Working as a Legal Secretary requires dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and efficiency. The role involves frequent multitasking and working under deadlines, particularly when courts are in session or during the preparation of judgments.
The Legal Secretary will be exposed to confidential and sensitive legal information, necessitating discretion and compliance with all data protection policies. The nature of court schedules means flexibility may occasionally be required to accommodate urgent or unexpected legal matters.
How to Apply|:
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Interested candidates must submit the following documentation to be considered for the position:
-A detailed and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting qualifications, experience, and contact details.
-Certified copies of the South African Identity Document.
-Certified copies of the Matric Certificate (Grade 12).
-Certified academic transcripts or certificates showing completion of an LLB degree or a minimum of 20 law-related modules.
-Any other relevant certificates or qualifications supporting the application.
Applications may be submitted through the following methods:
-Postal Applications: Send your application package via registered post to the provincial office address that corresponds with he preferred job location and reference number.
-Hand Delivery: Applications can be hand-delivered to the relevant provincial or office physical addresses specified.
-Online Applications: Many posts accept online applications via official government portals. Candidates should use the specified web links when available.
Please quote the relevant job reference number prominently in your application.
Application Addresses and Contact Points
Applicants must direct their applications according to the position and province:
-Gauteng (Johannesburg): Postal applications addressed to the Provincial Office – Gauteng, Private Bag X6, Johannesburg, 2000. Physical deliveries to 7th Floor, Schreiner Chambers, 94 Pritchard Street, Johannesburg.
-Mpumalanga (Nelspruit, Mbombela): Postal address The Provincial Head, Private Bag X11249, Nelspruit, 1200. Physical address at 24 Brown Street, Nedbank Centre, 4th Floor, Nelspruit.
-KwaZulu-Natal (Durban): Courier or hand-deliver applications to Recruitment, 1st Floor, 2 Devonshire Place, Off Anton Lembede Street, Durban.
-Centurion: Applications via online link or hand-delivery to Block C 3, Eco Origins Office Park, Witch-hazel Street, Centurion, 0046.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of:
-Screening: Verification of minimum qualifications and experience based on submitted applications.
-Shortlisting: Candidates who meet requirements will be shortlisted and contacted.
-Typing Test: Shortlisted candidates must pass a typing test that evaluates accuracy, speed, and dictaphone transcription skills.
-Interviews: Formal interviews to assess competencies, experience, and suitability for the role.
-Verification: Background, reference, and security checks prior to appointment.
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Employment Equity
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is committed to promoting employment equity. Priority will be given to youth, women, and persons with disabilities to promote transformation within the public sector in accordance with government policies.
Conclusion
The Legal Secretary position offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals with a legal background and secretarial experience to contribute to the justice system and build a meaningful career. The role demands professionalism, discretion, and dedication in a fast-paced environment that supports the administration of justice at the highest level.
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and are committed to delivering exceptional administrative support within a legal context are encouraged to apply.