JOB OPPORTUNITY | Head of Law Clinic – Lawyers for Human Rights Durban Office

Date: 04/08/2021


Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) seeks to appoint a Manager of its Law Clinic for its Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme, based in Durban.

LHR is part of the movement for social justice and operates walk-in law clinics in three provinces, primarily to service refugee and migrant clients. The clinics aim to advance human rights and provide high-quality legal services to those who cannot afford private representation.  The clinics have also established strong networks with key stakeholders including Chapter Nine institutions, local and provincial government, and community based organisations.

The Head of Clinic position, based in our Durban office, will involve overseeing delivery of legal services and advice to clients, supporting strategic litigation, and continuing to develop our relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, while managing a small legal team.

The following qualifications are required to be considered:

  • Admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, with at least three (3) years post-article litigation experience;
  • Ability to take on candidate attorneys as a principal;
  • Management experience, including demonstrated ability to build and maintain a team; and
  • Willingness to travel locally and nationally.

The ideal candidate will have the following additional attributes and competencies:

  • Experience in and knowledge of human rights, refugee law and policy, and key related issues (e.g. anti-xenophobia work, building social cohesion, etc.);
  • Experience in detention monitoring and provision of legal support to detainees;
  • A demonstrated passion for social justice, and supporting the rights of asylum seekers and refugees;
  • Some experience with or exposure to assisting clients requiring psycho-social support;
  • Exceptional writing and communication skills, including establishing and maintaining contact with affected communities;
  • Experience in project management, including donor reporting and engagement, will be an advantage;
  • Ability to conceive of and oversee roll-out of community legal literacy programmes; and
  • A calm disposition and proven primary focus on serving the interests of clients in need, as well as staff development.
  • Languages:
    • Excellent written and spoken English.
    • Proficiency in (or working towards learning) isiZulu and any of the other indigenous South African languages.

LHR is committed to diversity and transformation. Candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups are strongly encouraged to apply and will be preferred.

How to apply:

If you are interested in applying, please submit:

  1. A letter of motivation; and
  2. A comprehensive CV

Your application should be addressed to Sharon Ekambaram, and sent by email to info@lhr.org.za. The deadline for applications is close of business, 20 August 2021.  The subject line of your email should read: DURBAN LAW CLINIC.

PLEASE NOTE: your letter of motivation must confirm your admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, with at least three (3) years post-article litigation experience and the ability to take on candidate attorneys as a principal.  Applications without this confirmation clearly set out in the motivation letter will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews shortly thereafter.

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