Attorney: Community Action and Research (Post Level 9) (Contract appointment: 3 years) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Execute and provision of legal services and Office Administration
• Perform administrative tasks related to the provision of legal services.
• Provide legal services in line with the services offered by the Law Clinic, including drafting court pleadings and attending to court appearances
• Report to management structures within the UFS Law Clinic and Faculty of Law.
• Compliance with internal quality assurance measures.
• Provision of leadership, supervision and training to Candidate Attorneys
• Facilitate and assist the training of candidate attorneys.
• Supervise candidate attorneys.

Community Engagement & Research

• Implement, facilitate and monitor community engagement programmes/projects at the UFS Law Clinic.
• Perform administrative tasks related to community engagement.
• Active involvement in research activities of the UFS Law Clinic.

Student Teaching & Training

• Contribute to academic coordination.
• Perform administrative tasks related to student teaching at the UFS Law Clinic.
• Facilitate the implementation of community-based learning programmes/projects for undergraduate law students at the UFS Law Clinic.
• Provide consultation sessions for undergraduate law students.
• Facilitate and assist the training of undergraduate law students.

Inherent requirements:

• An LLB degree on NQF Level 8 from a South African University (attach a copy).
• Currently an admitted and practising Attorney in the High Court of South Africa (attach proof).
• Right of Appearance in terms of Section 25(3) of the Legal Practice Act (attach proof).
• Good standing with the relevant Legal Practice Council (attach proof).
• A minimum of three (3) years post-admission experience in superior court/lower court litigation in the preceding 5-year period.

Recommendations:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in teaching and/or facilitating legal education and/or training in a higher education environment.
• Experience with Supervising Candidate Legal Practitioners.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification or accredited legal practice management course. 

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision. 

Closing date:

• 17 September 2026