Junior Legal Secretary

Role Overview

The law firm is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Junior Legal Secretary to provide administrative and secretarial support to attorneys and senior legal staff. The successful candidate will assist with legal documentation, client liaison, and general office administration while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with South African legal procedures.

This role is ideal for an entry-level legal administration professional looking to build a career within a dynamic legal practice.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Administrative Support

• Prepare, format, and proofread legal correspondence, pleadings, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Assist with filing of documents at courts and other regulatory bodies (e.g. High Court, Magistrates’ Court, Sheriff’s Office).
• Maintain accurate physical and electronic filing systems.
• Open and manage client files in accordance with firm procedures.
• Track deadlines, court dates, and appointments, ensuring compliance with procedural timelines.

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Receive and direct phone calls, emails, and walk-in client enquiries professionally.
• Schedule consultations, meetings, and diary appointments for attorneys.
• Liaise with clients, advocates, correspondents, and court officials where required.

Document & Compliance Management

• Assist with FICA documentation collection and verification.
• Support preparation of bundles, briefs, and court files.
• Ensure documents are correctly indexed, paginated, and formatted.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with legal and POPIA requirements.

General Office Administration

• Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence.
• Assist with billing preparation, time capture, and basic accounts administration (where applicable).
• Order office and stationery supplies when required.
• Provide general administrative support to the legal team.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Matric / Grade 12 (essential)
• Legal Secretarial Diploma / Certificate (advantageous)

Experience

• 0–2 years’ experience in a legal, administrative, or professional office environment (preferred but not essential)
• Exposure to legal documentation or court processes will be beneficial

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Professional telephone etiquette
• Good organisational and time management abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• High level of confidentiality and integrity
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Fast and accurate typing skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work both independently and in a team

Advantageous Knowledge

• Basic understanding of South African court procedures
• Familiarity with legal terminology
• Experience with legal practice management systems (e.g. Ghost Practice, Legal Suite, or similar)

Personal Attributes

• Professional and presentable
• Eager to learn and grow within the legal profession
• Reliable and dependable
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude