Job Title: Litigation Attorney
Location: Cape Town
About the Legal Resources Centre: The LRC is South Africa’s largest public interest law centre. As a well-established, trusted, and formidable defender of human rights, we continue to use strategic litigation and advocacy to promote justice using the Constitution, build respect for the rule of law and constitutional democracy; enable individuals and groups without access to legal resources to assert and develop their rights; promote gender and racial equality; and contribute to the development of a human rights jurisprudence and socio-economic transformation in South Africa and beyond.
This role will be part of the African Climate Legal Fellowship Programme (ACLFP), a pilot initiative aimed at bringing experienced lawyers to the environmental public interest sector in Africa and providing pathways for new talent to enter the public interest sector. In addition to the LRC placement, Fellows will be part of a broader cohort benefiting from mentorship, coaching and leadership development, training in environmental and climate change law and science, and a network of likeminded lawyers in Africa. Travel within Africa for a launch convening will also be required. IREX, a global non-profit that has supported more than 50,000 Fellows over 50 years, will implement the fellowship and provide ongoing support to you and your nonprofit organization.
Position Overview: The LRC seeks to appoint a Litigation Attorney, in its Cape Town office, for a fixed term period of one year. The position will be based in the land and resources program, with a focus on furthering the LRC’s climate change litigation. The remuneration will be commensurate with qualification and experience.
Key responsibilities: The Litigation Attorney’s responsibilities will include:
Legal research with a focus on the intersection of climate change with access to land and resources and the right to food.
Conceptualising and anchoring strategic litigation, working in teams
Develop partnership opportunities and manage stakeholder relationships
Act as a spokesperson and represent the Centre in public, media and community forums
Manage risk, compliance, funding and reporting obligations
Drafting submissions to Parliament and regional and international mechanisms
Essential qualifications and experience:
Admission and enrolment as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Minimum of 4 years post articles High Court litigation experience
Demonstrable litigation, legal writing, research and communication capabilities
Fluency in at least two official South African languages including English
A commitment to staff development and teamwork
Strong negotiation, administrative, training and development skills
Sound knowledge of human rights, constitutional impact litigation
Passionate about addressing inequality, restoring dignity to disadvantaged individuals and communities
Experience working with directly impacted communities or eagerness to learn how to do so
Ability to work well under pressure, independently and with others
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability
Valid Driver’s License
Skills and Attributes:
Self-driven, proactive, determined, and resilient.
Perfect written English (essential), together with the ability to think outside the box and write creatively and persuasively.
Excellent interpersonal skills: A good communicator, articulate and confident in presenting to key decision-makers. The ability to pursue leads and develop funding relationships is key.
Good research skills and the ability to identify opportunities.
A commitment to social change and alignment with the values of the LRC.
Highly organised with good administration, time and project management skills.
Able to manage humdrum tasks like maintaining database records.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Experience with Salesforce CRM software is advantageous.
A valid driver’s license, as travel for stakeholder engagement is required.
Closing Date: 23 August 2024
How to Apply: Please apply using the Apply button below.
Job Type: 12 month contract (negotiable)
