MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NO. 1 OF 2026
REF: LCMCIWI
RE-ADVERTISEMENT
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant position tenable at the Ministry of Law and Justice.
POSITION DETAILS
- Department: Criminal
- Job Title: Chief Attorney
- Reports To: Crown Attorney
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Crown Attorney, the Chief Attorney is responsible for presenting the Government in criminal proceedings in the Northern Region, providing legal advice to Police Investigators, issuing directives regarding the treatment of cases reported to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and supervising professional staff.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Presenting the Government in Criminal Proceedings
- Peruses Police dockets submitted to the DPP’s Office for directives to determine whether there is a case to answer.
- Interviews Police Investigators and witnesses to make informed decisions on the evidence of a given case.
- Drafts Heads of Argument in preparation for submissions to Court.
- Appears and argues cases before Courts of Law to secure just decisions.
- Ensures that Crown witnesses are granted their pecuniary allowances for attending court sittings.
- Draws indictments for prosecution of cases and files Notices of Appeal and Review in the High Court in demanding cases.
- Gives counsel to complainants and witnesses dissatisfied with the conduct of their cases in Courts of Law.
2. Providing Legal Advice to Police Investigators
- Advises investigators on aspects of evidence and procedures.
- Advises investigators on the type of evidence to look for, where applicable.
3. Issuing Directives on Treatment of Cases Reported to the DPP
- Peruses dockets and issues directives accordingly.
4. Supervising Professional Staff
- Supervises professional staff in the DPP’s Office in Leribe.
- Orientates newly appointed staff for adaptation into the job.
- Guides professional staff on techniques of handling cases to enable effective and efficient discharge of duties (including Counsel for Magistrates’ Court cases).
- Prepares Annual Work Plans, Reviews, and Appraisals at the end of the financial year.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE
- LLM plus a minimum of two (2) years’ practice in Criminal Law in the Subordinate Courts and High Court;
OR - LLB plus five (5) years’ experience as Senior Crown Counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility for Work of Others
- Responsible for supervising and monitoring Senior Crown Counsel and Crown Counsel in the Northern Region.
- Supervises Senior Crown Counsel and Crown Counsel in drafting indictments, submission of matters to the Registrar of the High Court, issuing directives, and planning Court sessions.
Responsibility for Property
- Responsible for the custody of law books and files.
Effect of Errors
- Responsible for errors that may arise from misjudgment of cases.
Responsibility for Safety of Others
- None.
COMPLEXITY
Authority for Decision-Making
- Authorized to decide which cases are to be prosecuted, how cases are to be handled, and to advise Police Investigators on aspects of evidence.
PROBLEM SOLVING
- May be required to explain why certain cases were not attended to by subordinates.
- Resolves conflicts between Criminal Section staff members related to their duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
- Works independently except in sensitive matters requiring close consultation with the Crown Attorney and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
DEXTERITY
- This factor is considered not applicable.
CONTACTS
Contacts Made
- All members of professional staff for consultations where cases have a bearing on other sections.
- Members of other Government ministries/departments seeking instructions or legal advice.
- Members of the public in the handling of court cases.
EFFORT
Mental Effort
- Reading law books, law reports, and journals in preparation for court cases.
- Requires good eyesight and hearing.
- High concentration required to follow court proceedings.
Physical Effort
- Requires standing for long periods depending on the duration of court proceedings.
Emotional Effort
- May be required to work on urgent matters before Courts of Law, including bail applications.
- Involves dealing with Defence Counsel who may delay proceedings or seek postponements due to fee-related issues.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Occasionally required to work beyond normal working hours, including arranging accommodation for witnesses in local hotels.
HAZARDS
- The incumbent may be attacked by criminals in respect of cases handled.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications on relevant forms:
- G.P. 103 – for job seekers
- G.P. 104 – for serving officers
Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of:
- Educational certificates
- Transcripts
- National Identity Document (ID)
Applications should be addressed to:
The Principal Secretary
Ministry of Law and Justice
P.O. Box 33
MASERU 100
OR
Be hand delivered to:
Human Resource Office, Justice Administration Headquarters
OR
Qhobosheaneng Office Complex
Phase I, Room 065 B
Please note: All applications must be accompanied by a certified copy of a national ID.
Closing Date: Not later than 12th February 2026