JOB OPPORTUNITY: Johannesburg Law Clinic Head

Date: 22/02/2022


Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) invites applicants to apply for an Attorney post as Head of the LHR Law Clinic in Johannesburg.

LHR is part of the movement for social justice and has walk in law clinics nationally in three provinces. The clinic is located within the Refugee and Migrants Rights Programme, and primarily services refugee and migrant clients, including with respect to their labour-related issues. The clinic aims to advance human rights and provide high-quality legal services to those who cannot afford private representation.  The clinic has also established strong networks with key stakeholders including chapter nine institutions, local and provincial government and community based organisations.

Qualifications required:

  • Attorney (with admission in the High Court) with at least 5 years’ post-admission experience.

Knowledge and Skills required:

  • Experience in High Court litigation;
  • Experience and knowledge of refugee and immigration law and policy;
  • Knowledge of child law and experience protecting children’s rights;
  • Knowledge of labour law, with specific reference to migrant workers in irregular situations, will be advantageous;
  • Knowledge of immigration detention policy and experience of detention monitoring and legal support to detainees;
  • Experience working with vulnerable persons, children and youth will be advantageous;
  • A demonstrated passion for supporting the rights of asylum seekers and refugees;
  • Some experience with or exposure to assisting clients requiring psycho-social support;
  • Networking and presentations at seminars and conferences;
  • Establishing and maintaining contact with affected communities;
  • Experience in project management or management of an area of legal practice;
  • A calm disposition and proven primary focus on serving the interests of clients in need;
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and listening skills;
  • Ability to multi-task;
  • Demonstrated ability to build and work well with a team;
  • Experience in management of teams including, project management skills, report writing, and engagement with donors an advantage.
  • Experience in collaboration with stakeholders to combat xenophobia and experience in initiatives to build social cohesion;
  • Knowledge of human rights and public interest law;
  • Knowledge of the African and UN human rights system will be advantageous;
  • Communication, interpersonal, and listening skills.
  • Writing, analytical, and time management skills.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Languages:
    • Excellent written and spoken English.
    • Proficiency in (or working towards learning) more indigenous South African languages.

Personal attributes:

  • Ability to work under extreme pressure.
  • Extremely organised and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Willingness to travel.

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

If you are interested, please submit:

  1. A letter of motivation. Your letter of motivation must address, in no more than 1000 words, what you think the key legal challenges are facing refugees, asylum seekers, and migrates currently in South Africa, and how these challenges would inform strategic litigation or advocacy for the LHR Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme; and
  2. A comprehensive CV.

Your application should be sent to us by email to Ramokwapeng Molebatsi at ramokwapeng@lhr.org.za, by close of business (17:00) on Monday 28 February 2022. The subject line should read, “Application: Johannesburg Clinic Head.” Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews shortly thereafter.

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