Job Description

The Office of the Chief Justice is inviting applications for Judge’s Secretary positions at the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court in Durban.

There are 2 posts available.

The successful candidates will render secretarial and administrative support to the Judiciary. The role includes diary management, typing and filing judgments, preparing court rolls, supporting civil and criminal court matters, managing case-related documents, handling travel and accommodation arrangements, and providing general administrative support to Judges.

This opportunity is suitable for candidates with Grade 12 and at least 1 year of legal secretarial experience who are organised, confidential, computer literate, and able to work under pressure.

Position Details

• Position: Judge’s Secretary
• Reference Number: 2026/34/OCJ
• Number of Posts: 2
• Department: Office of the Chief Justice
• Centre: KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, Durban
• Salary: R338 106 – R398 277 per annum
• Level: 07
• Experience Required: Minimum of 1 year legal secretarial experience
• Performance Agreement: The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement

Responsibilities

• Render secretarial support to the Judiciary.
• Diarise appointments and meetings for the Judge.
• Type and file judgments.
• Ensure judgments handed down and signed draft orders are sent to the Typist for scanning.
• Upload documents onto CaseLines, Court Online, and the Library where required.
• Receive and screen visitors.
• Attend to visitor queries professionally.
• Record all incoming and outgoing documents.
• Order and collect stationery for the Judge.
• Provide support for civil, criminal, review matters, courts, and case allocations in chambers.
• Collect criminal matter files from the Registrar’s office before court proceedings.
• Update the register of reviews.
• Sign receipt and return reviews to the Clerk.
• Update the reserved judgment register or template.
• Notify the Statistics Officer and Office of the Judge President when judgment has been handed down.
• Ensure transcribed judgments from transcribers reach Judges for approval and signature.
• Prepare court rolls for Opposed Motion and Urgent Court.
• Distribute court rolls to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure Heads of Argument from stakeholders are available to the Judge.
• Provide support functions to civil and criminal courts.
• Administer the correct oath, ID, or declaration in court when required.
• Ensure the Judge’s bench book is prepared.
• Ensure files are taken to court by Ushers before proceedings begin.
• Ensure all relevant stakeholders are present in court before proceedings start.
• Call cases on record according to the court roll.
• Handle, control, and note criminal court exhibits professionally.
• Provide general administrative support to the Judiciary.
• Ensure travel and accommodation arrangements are in order.
• Attend to documents requiring approval and signature.
• Submit the Judge’s logbook to the Transport Officer by the 5th of every month.
• Ensure the Judge’s vehicle is booked for maintenance or service when required.
• Receive pre-authorisation for the Judge’s vehicle.
• Remind the Judge of invoices for S&T claims processing.
• Submit cell phone and 3G data claims for processing.
• Attend to updates on loose leafs in the Judge’s library.

Requirements

• Grade 12 certificate.
• Minimum of 1 year legal secretarial experience.
• Must pass a typing test.
• LLB Degree, Bachelor of Law, or a minimum of 20 completed modules towards an LLB or BA Law will be an added advantage.
• Experience in a legal or court environment will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a pre-entry practical exercise.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word.
• Research capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Skills

• Secretarial support
• Legal administration
• Typing skills
• Dictaphone typing
• Microsoft Word
• Diary management
• Court roll preparation
• Document management
• Filing
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Customer service
• Research skills
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Confidentiality
• Organisation skills
• Ability to work under pressure