Office of Chief Justice Legal Secretary Career Growth

Office of the Chief Justice Judge’s Secretary Job With Government Salary Benefits
The Office of the Chief Justice is hiring Judge’s Secretaries for the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Middelburg and the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha. The salary ranges from R338 106 to R398 277 per annum, offering strong career growth, government employment benefits, and valuable legal administration experience. Interested applicants can apply online via email before the closing date.
Salary, Stipend and Career Growth
- Salary: R338 106 – R398 277 per annum
- Salary Level: Level 07
- Employment type: Permanent Government Position
- Industry: Legal and Public Service
- Opportunities for long-term government career growth
- Exposure to Judiciary and High Court administration
This Judge’s Secretary role provides valuable experience in the legal and court administration environment. Successful candidates will gain practical exposure to court systems, judicial support services, and legal procedures within the public sector.
About the Role
The Office of the Chief Justice is seeking organised and professional individuals to provide secretarial and administrative support to Judges in the High Court divisions. The role involves court administration, diary management, case support, and coordination of legal documentation.
Successful candidates will work closely with the Judiciary and support civil, criminal, and review court matters while ensuring efficient administrative processes.
- Manage the Judge’s diary, appointments, and meetings
- Type, file, and process judgments and legal documents
- Upload documents onto CaseLines and Court Online systems
- Support civil, criminal, and review court proceedings
- Prepare bench books and court files before proceedings
- Manage travel, accommodation, and vehicle arrangements
- Maintain court registers and reserved judgment records
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is suitable for candidates interested in legal administration, court support services, and government careers. Applicants with strong organisational and communication skills are encouraged to apply.
- Candidates with an LLB Degree
- Applicants with at least 20 completed LLB or BA/BCOM Law modules
- Individuals with legal or court administration exposure
- Candidates with office assistant or secretarial experience
- Applicants interested in public sector legal careers
Skills and Requirements
- LLB Degree or minimum of 20 completed modules towards LLB or BA/BCOM Law
- Minimum of one year secretarial or office assistant experience
- Experience in a legal or court environment will be advantageous
- Valid driver’s license will be advantageous
- Knowledge of Court Online and CaseLines systems
- Strong Microsoft Office and typing skills
- Excellent communication and organisational abilities
- Knowledge of Batho Pele Principles and court procedures
- Research, planning, and problem-solving skills
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a practical assessment to test technical and generic competencies related to the position.
Benefits, Salary and Training Opportunities
- Competitive government salary package
- Career growth within the public service sector
- Exposure to High Court legal administration systems
- Practical experience supporting the Judiciary
- Professional development opportunities
- Stable permanent employment in government
- Training and workplace experience in court operations
The position offers excellent career-building opportunities for individuals interested in legal administration and public service employment. Employees also gain experience working within South Africa’s judicial environment.
Important Notes
- Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 form
- Only a comprehensive CV and completed Z83 form are required at application stage
- Applications must be submitted in PDF format in one folder
- Only shortlisted candidates will submit certified documents later
- Applicants may undergo criminal, qualification, and employment verification checks
- Preference will be given according to Employment Equity objectives
- Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
| Job Title | Judge’s Secretary |
|---|---|
| Date Posted / Closing Date | Closing Date: 22 May 2026 |
| Location | Middelburg, Mpumalanga and Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Salary | R338 106 – R398 277 per annum |
| Company | Office of the Chief Justice |
| Employment Type | Permanent |
| Industry | Legal and Public Service |
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the application process using the new Z83 application form and submit their documents before the closing date.
- Download and complete the new Z83 application form
- Prepare a recent comprehensive CV with contactable references
- Combine the Z83 form and CV into one PDF folder
- Quote the correct reference number on the application
- Email applications to the correct address based on the position
Mpumalanga Division – Middelburg:
Reference Number: 2026/18/OCJ
Email: 2026/18/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Eastern Cape Division – Mthatha:
Reference Number: 2026/19/OCJ
Email: 2026/19/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
How to Apply Safely
- Use only official Office of the Chief Justice application channels
- Never pay money to secure a government job
- Double-check the reference number before submission
- Ensure all required documents are included in one PDF
- Keep copies of your application for your records
Closing Thoughts
The Judge’s Secretary positions at the Office of the Chief Justice provide an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking legal administration careers within the South African public service sector. The role offers valuable exposure to court operations, judicial support, and government systems.
For applicants with legal studies and administrative experience, this opportunity can open doors to long-term career growth in the Judiciary and broader public service environment.
Closing Date
The closing date for all applications is 22 May 2026.
FAQ
1. What qualification is needed for the Judge’s Secretary position?
Applicants need an LLB Degree or at least 20 completed modules towards an LLB or BA/BCOM Law qualification.
2. Is work experience required?
Yes, candidates need at least one year of secretarial or office assistant experience.
3. Where are the available positions located?
The positions are available in Middelburg, Mpumalanga and Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
4. What is the salary for the position?
The salary ranges from R338 106 to R398 277 per annum.
5. What documents are required when applying?
Applicants must submit a completed new Z83 form and a recent comprehensive CV.

