Are you searching for a challenging and dynamic role within the legal sector? The Office of the Chief Justice is actively seeking a committed and well-organized individuals to fulfill the roles of a Judge’s Secretaries. These pivotal positions offer the unique opportunity to work directly with judges and other distinguished legal professionals, providing crucial administrative support and contributing to the effective functioning of the courtroom.
Office of the Chief Justice Vacancies Available
1. Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/23/OCJ)
- Location: Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria
- Contract Duration: 3-Year Contract
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
- Additional Benefits: Plus 37% in lieu of benefits
2. Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/24/OCJ)
- Location: Gauteng Division of the High Court, Johannesburg
- Number of Positions: 3 Posts
- Contract Duration: 3-Year Contract
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
- Additional Benefits: Plus 37% in lieu of benefits
3. Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/25/OCJ)
- Location: Gauteng Division of the High Court, Johannesburg
- Number of Positions: 2 Posts
- Contract Duration: 3-Year Contract
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
- Additional Benefits: Plus 37% in lieu of benefits
4. Pool Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/26/OCJ)
- Location: Gauteng Division of the High Court, Johannesburg
- Number of Positions: 1 Post
- Contract Duration: 1-Year Contract
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
- Additional Benefits: Plus 37% in lieu of benefits
5. Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/27/OCJ)
- Location: Land Court, Randburg
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
6. Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/28/OCJ)
- Location: Labour and Labour Appeals Court, Johannesburg
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
7. Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/29/OCJ)
- Location: Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria
- Number of Positions: 5 Posts
- Contract Duration: 3-Year Contract
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
- Additional Benefits: Plus 37% in lieu of benefits
8. Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/30/OCJ)
- Location: Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria
- Contract Duration: 3 Years
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
- Benefits: Plus 37% in lieu of benefits
9. Pool Judge’s Secretary (Reference Number: 2024/31/OCJ)
- Location: Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria
- Number of Positions: 3
- Contract Duration: 1 Year
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
- Benefits: Plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Qualifications and Requirements
- Educational Background: Must possess a Matric certificate (Grade 12).
- Experience: 1 to 3 years of secretarial or office assistant experience in a legal environment is required.
- Legal Education: An LLB degree or a minimum of 20 modules towards an LLB or BCom Law Degree is highly beneficial. Accompanying results must be provided with the application.
- Licensing: A valid driver’s license is necessary.
- Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will be expected to pass a typing test.
Skills and Competencies:
- Proficiency in English: this means that the individual is able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in written form. This includes having a strong grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- Good communication skills: involve being able to convey information clearly and effectively to others. This can include active listening, empathy, and being able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
- Verbal and written skills: refer to the ability to communicate effectively through both speaking and writing. This includes being able to articulate ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
- Administration skills: are essential for managing tasks, organizing information, and coordinating resources effectively. This includes attention to detail, time management, and the ability to prioritize tasks.
- Organizational skills: involve the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities efficiently. This includes being able to plan, schedule, and coordinate activities effectively.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills: it involve being able to build and maintain positive relationships with others. This includes communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure: involves being able to handle time-sensitive tasks and manage stress effectively in high-pressure situations.
- Attention to detail: involves being able to notice and address small errors or discrepancies. This can include checking work carefully and ensuring accuracy in tasks.
- Customer service skills: it involve being able to provide excellent service and support to customers. This includes being friendly, helpful, and responsive to customer needs.
- Excellent typing skills: it includes Dictaphone typing, involve being able to type accurately and efficiently. This includes being familiar with typing software and equipment.
- Confidentiality and time management: It involve being able to handle sensitive information securely and efficiently. This includes managing time effectively to ensure tasks are completed on time.
- Computer literacy: it includes MS Word and research capabilities, involves being proficient in using technology and software for tasks such as word processing and conducting research. This includes being able to navigate computer programs and the internet efficiently.
Duties
- To verify attendance and check all incoming and outgoing calls.
- Ensure that the Judge’s appointments and meetings are documented. To ensure that all choices are typed and correspondences are properly filed in the appropriate sections.
- To ensure that signed judgments and orders, whether issued in court or online, are sent only to the typist and the library.
- Ensure that all visitors are welcomed, screened, and their inquiries are addressed.
- Make sure that all incoming and leaving documents are recorded and filed.
- To Ensure the Judge’s stationery is ordered and collected.
- To Ensure that the court files are ready and that the Judge has all documents in the file on time, as specified in the duty roster.
- To ensure that all files received from various sections are verified by the Registrar for that section.
- To ensure that the review register is up to date and signed when reviews are received and returned to the review Clerk.
- To ensure that the reserved judgment register/template is up to date, and notify the Statistics officer and the Judge President’s office when judgment is delivered.
- To ensure that the transcribed decision from transcribers reaches the Judges for review and signature. Prepare court rolls for the Opposed Motion and Urgent Court and disseminate them to stakeholders.
- To ensure that Heads of Arguments from all parties are received, submitted, and confirmed. Informing the persons involved of the time via e-mail or phone.
- Ensure that the Judge’s bench book is prepared and that papers are present in court before the hearing begins or before the Judge enters the court.
- Ensure that all stakeholders are present in court prior to the start of proceedings.
- Ensure that all cases are called and documented as per the court roll. Calling the case number and the parties’ names on record in front of the Judge allows them to begin their proceedings.
- Ensure that the appropriate Oath ID or declaration is administered in court as necessary.
- To ensure that exhibits are handled, controlled, and documented properly and appropriately.
- To ensure that the correct order is endorsed on the file and/or on Case lines once it was granted by the Judge in court.
- To ensure that all travel and accommodation arrangements are completed on time, attend to sign the paperwork that require prior approval.
- Ensure that the Judge’s logbook is presented to the Transport Officer by the 5th of each month.
- Obtain the Judge’s vehicle pre-authorization to confirm that it is scheduled for maintenance or service.
- To remind the Judge of the invoices so that the S&T claims can be processed.
- Ensure the filing of cell phone and 3G data claims for processing reasons.
- To ensure that court rolls are supplied to the Statistical Officer on or before each Friday.
- To ensure that all modifications to the loose leafs in the Judges library are completed.
Application Process
- Interested candidates must apply using the New Z83 form.
- Applications must be directed to:
The Provincial Head,
Office of the Chief Justice,
Private Bag X7, Johannesburg, 2000. - Alternatively, applications can be hand-delivered to the 12th floor, Cnr Pritchard and Kruis Street, Johannesburg.
- Technical enquiries: Ms M Campbell Tel No: 012 492 6799
- HR enquiries: Ms T Mbalekwa Tel No: 010 494 8515
Related: Registering on the ESSA Labour Database for Government Jobs
In conclusion, these vacancies for the judge’s secretary within the Office of the Chief Justice are a unique opportunity to work closely with one of the most esteemed legal professionals in the country. The role offers the chance to support the Chief Justice in managing their daily schedule, organizing meetings, and ensuring the smooth operation of their office.
The successful candidates will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals in the legal field.
This position is ideal for someone seeking to gain valuable experience in a prestigious setting and play a crucial role in supporting the administration of justice. If you are a detail-oriented, organized individual with a passion for the legal profession, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.