Head of Office / Senior Legal Practice & Office Manager at Fempower Recruitment Excellence

• Are you a senior admitted Attorney or Advocate with extensive litigation experience and a strong track record in leading legal teams?
• We are looking for an accomplished legal practitioner to take responsibility for the leadership, strategic direction and operational management of a busy legal office in Johannesburg.
• This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced legal professional who combines strong litigation knowledge with people leadership, legal practice management, stakeholder engagement and financial oversight.

THE ROLE

As Head of Office, you will provide strategic and operational leadership while ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead, manage and develop a diverse team of legal and support professionals.
• Oversee the delivery and quality of legal services, ensuring compliance with applicable legal and ethical standards.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to Candidate Attorneys and newly appointed legal practitioners.
• Develop and implement strategies aimed at improving service delivery and achieving organisational objectives.
• Monitor legal service delivery and implement corrective and improvement initiatives where required.
• Oversee office operations, performance and resource allocation.
• Manage the office budget, monitor expenditure and identify opportunities for improved efficiencies.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts for senior stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with government departments, community organisations, clients and other key stakeholders.
• Represent the office at meetings, conferences and other engagements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and governance requirements.
• Identify operational, financial, legal and reputational risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

To be considered, you must have:

• LLB Degree or equivalent related legal qualification at NQF Level 8.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa and be in good standing.
• Minimum 10 years' post-admission experience as a legal practitioner in practice.
• Of the above experience, at least 5 years must be at Court / Legal Management level.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of court processes, including the Magistrates' Court, High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Labour Courts and Constitutional Court.
• Demonstrated experience in training Candidate Attorneys.
• A strong track record in developing Candidate Attorneys and newly appointed legal practitioners.
• Experience in budget preparation and management.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, programme management and team leadership experience.

We are particularly interested in a senior legal practitioner with established standing in the legal profession and a proven track record in both criminal and civil litigation.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong legal and people leadership.
• Legal practice / court management experience.
• Sound knowledge of legal ethics and professional standards.
• Strong strategic and operational decision-making ability.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Financial and budget management capability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• The ability to lead and motivate a diverse workforce.
• Excellent planning, coordination and facilitation skills.
• The ability to interpret and apply policies.
• The ability to perform effectively in a demanding environment.