⚡ AUTO-APPLYGOVERNMENT

SENIOR LAW RESEARCHER

Office of the Chief Justice · gauteng

Salary band

R 713 535

Closing date

28 August 2026

Reference

2026/97/OCJ

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About this role

Department

Office of the Chief Justice

Location

Gauteng Division of The High Court: Pretoria

Salary

R605 742 – R713 535 per annum (Level 10). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements

Applicants should be in possession of an LLB Degree at (NQF level 8). A minimum of three (3) years’ legal research experience of which two (2) years should be at supervisory level. A valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage. Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of electronic information resources and the ability to access and utilise computer research programmes (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastats), knowledge of operating DCRS/ CRT machine, Employment Equity Act, Practice Manual of the Court, sound understanding of South African law and Judicial system, interpretation and application of the law and Batho Pele Principles. Skilled in Microsoft Office Programs, research, problem solving, planning and organising, good judgment and decision-making, interpersonal relations, time management, effective communication (verbally and in writing) and supervisory skills. Along with the following attributes: Ability to multitask, able to work under pressure, telephone etiquette, professionalism, ability to meet strict deadlines and ability to maintain confidentiality with ability to take charge.

Duties

Provide legal research, consult with the judiciary in chambers and take instructions, peruse all the material lodged, identify the issue and initiate appropriate research, provide analytical summary of counsels’ arguments or written evidence in the court, delegate instructions to the researcher, conduct research on electronic databases as per the Judge’s request, ensure that all research provided to Judges is comprehensive and accurate, ensure that draft judgments, articles and speeches are clear, consistent and comprehensive, ensure there are no judgments conform to the accepted writing Style Guide of each court, ensure preparation of a comprehensive memorandum on the outcome of the research, double-check all references and footnotes in all judgements and legal articles against the original text to ensure correctness, assist the judges with other extra-judicial tasks, draft speeches, conferences papers and legal articles, ensure that all speeches, conference papers and articles are thoroughly researched, are accurate and of the highest quality, ensure secretarial functions including Provincial Efficiency Enhancement Committee (PEEC) meetings are being effectively performed, ensure the judiciary of the Division is up to date on recent developments min case law, practice directives and legislation, keep abreast of all the landmark judgments / recent developments in the law, changes in legislation and regulations, ensure researchers attend to publisher related queries (e.g Juta, Lexis and Saflii), supervise and develop staff, ensure general supervision of employees, allocate duties and perform quality control on the work del

Applying for this role through NewGenJobs

NewGenJobs aggregates job listings from South African government sources including PSC Circulars and DPSA, as well as private sector employers across banking, retail, healthcare, and professional services. When you apply through our platform, your application is tracked in your personal dashboard and you are notified of any updates. Completing your profile fully before applying ensures your CV and personal details are submitted correctly every time.

·Read the full job requirements before applying and confirm you meet every minimum qualification listed.

·Tailor your CV to reflect the specific skills and experience mentioned in this advert before submitting.

·Apply before the closing date. Late applications are not accepted by South African employers regardless of the reason.

·If this is a government role, a signed Z83 form is required. NewGenJobs auto-fills this from your saved profile.

About the hiring department

This vacancy is within Office of the Chief Justice in gauteng. Government departments in South Africa advertise vacancies through the Public Service Commission and are required to follow a standardised recruitment process governed by the Public Service Act. Applications are screened against the minimum requirements listed in the advert before any CV is reviewed by a panel.

Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the department. If you do not receive a response within 90 days of the closing date, your application was not successful. NewGenJobs tracks every application you submit through your personal dashboard so you always know where you stand.

Requirements

·Applicants should be in possession of an LLB Degree at (NQF level 8)
·A minimum of three (3) years’ legal research experience of which two (2) years should be at supervisory level
·A valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage
·Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of electronic information resources and the ability to access and utilise computer research programmes (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastats), knowledge of operating DCRS/ CRT machine, Employment Equity Act, Practice Manual of the Court, sound understanding of South African law and Judicial system, interpretation and application of the law and Batho Pele Principles
·Skilled in Microsoft Office Programs, research, problem solving, planning and organising, good judgment and decision-making, interpersonal relations, time management, effective communication (verbally and in writing) and supervisory skills
·Along with the following attributes: Ability to multitask, able to work under pressure, telephone etiquette, professionalism, ability to meet strict deadlines and ability to maintain confidentiality with ability to take charge

Key Duties

·Provide legal research
·consult with the judiciary in chambers and take instructions
·peruse all the material lodged
·identify the issue and initiate appropriate research
·provide analytical summary of counsels’ arguments or written evidence in the court
·delegate instructions to the researcher
·conduct research on electronic databases as per the Judge’s request
·ensure that all research provided to Judges is comprehensive and accurate
·ensure that draft judgments
·articles and speeches are clear

Before you apply - checklist

Make sure you have everything ready before the closing date.

✓Download and fully complete the official Z83 form - partial or outdated Z83 versions are rejected
✓Prepare a detailed CV listing every previous post with exact start and end dates (month and year)
✓Get certified copies of all qualifications - certification must be done at a police station or commissioner of oaths
✓Include a certified copy of your South African ID document or passport
✓Include a copy of your valid driver's licence (front and back)
✓Be prepared to undergo a criminal record check - a conviction may disqualify you depending on the nature of the post
✓Submit your complete application package to ocj@judiciary.org.za before the closing date - late or incomplete submissions are not considered

How to Apply

⚡ This job supports one-click auto-apply via your Gmail.

✓ Your CV is attached automatically.

✓ You review the application before anything is sent.

✓ We track employer replies and notify you.

Applying to: ocj@judiciary.org.za

Apply with one click

Auto-apply via Gmail. Your CV is attached instantly.

✓Track all your applications

✓POPIA compliant

✓Replies tracked automatically

✓100% free

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for the SENIOR LAW RESEARCHER position at Office of the Chief Justice?+

Applications for this post are submitted by email. Sign up on NewGenJobs, complete your profile, and use the one-click auto-apply feature - we attach your CV and the completed Z83 form (for government posts) and send the application directly to Office of the Chief Justice from your Gmail account. The closing date is 28 August 2026.

What documents do I need to apply for a government post in South Africa?+

Government posts require a completed Z83 application form (the official DPSA form), a detailed CV listing all previous employment with exact dates, and certified copies of your qualifications and ID. NewGenJobs auto-fills the Z83 from your profile. Do not submit original documents - certified copies only. Uncertified copies or incomplete Z83 forms are grounds for immediate disqualification.

What is the salary for the SENIOR LAW RESEARCHER position?+

The advertised salary band for this post is R 713 535. This is the all-inclusive remuneration package, which typically covers basic salary, medical aid contribution, and other benefits. The exact split between cash and benefits is determined at appointment stage.

When does the SENIOR LAW RESEARCHER application close?+

The closing date for this position is 28 August 2026 - 12 days from today. Late applications are not accepted by South African employers. Submit your application well before the deadline. NewGenJobs sends you a reminder before your tracked jobs close.

Are there other gauteng government jobs available?+

Yes - NewGenJobs aggregates all active vacancies in gauteng from the DPSA PSC Circular, SA Youth, and private sector sources. Browse all current gauteng jobs to find roles that match your qualifications and experience.