Legal Advisor: Labour and General Litigation at National Health Laboratory Services

Key Job Responsibility 

• Handle a broad range of civil and labour dispute resolution matters, and litigation. Conduct legal risk assessments on litigation matters and advise on prospects of success. Manage external counsel regarding strategy, proceedings, and billings. Attend High Court, Labour Court with external legal counsel to ensure seamless access to the Legal Manager in respect of urgent request for instruction during the court proceedings.
• Provide guidance and support on collective bargaining, union engagements, and industrial action. Vet pleadings, affidavits, opinions, and settlement agreements. Prepare instructions for attorneys on the database of NHLS and assist in preparation of matters for litigation and arbitration. Manage all litigation matters, including civil, commercial, contractual, and regulatory disputes.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports on litigation matters for the review and approval by the Legal Manager. Ensure compliance with applicable labour legislation, employment standards, court rules, processes and procedural compliance. Monitor, comment and advise NHLS on national legislative initiatives and programmes and to assist all divisions with relevant legislation to ensure correct interpretation and application of legislation.
• Assist the Legal Manager to provide professional legal advice to the Employee Relations and Human Resources on issues related to Employee relations. Conduct research on legal related issues to ensure informed decisions are taken by the organization as directed by the Legal Manager. Conduct legal risk assessments related to workplace management and litigation. Provide legal support to all laboratories and assist the Legal Manager with professional, written and oral legal advice to the executives and other offices

Minimum requirements & key competency 

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree (NQF Level 8) Admission as an Attorney or Advocate. 5 years’ post admission experience in Labour Law and Litigation in the public sector environment
• Proven experience working with external legal counsel and regulatory bodies Proven experience in handling employment disputes and civil litigation Knowledge of Relevant legislation