Ministry of Law and Justice
External Circular No. 6 of 2025
Ref: LCA/CIR/4
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant position tenable at the Ministry of Law and Justice.
DEPARTMENT: Criminal
Job Title: Chief Attorney
Grade: I
Station: Northern and Southern Region
Responsible 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
1.1 Peruses police dockets submitted to the DPP’s office for directives in order to determine whether there is a case to answer.
1.2 Interviews Police Investigators and witnesses in order to make an informed decision on the evidence of a given case.
1.3 Drafts Heads of Argument in preparation for submissions to Court.
1.4 Appears and argues cases before Courts of Law to ensure just decisions.
1.5 Ensures that Crown witnesses are granted their pecuniary allowances for attending court sittings.
1.6 Draws indictments for prosecution of cases and files Notices of Appeal and Review in the High Court in demanding cases.
1.7 Provides counsel to complainants and witnesses who are dissatisfied with the conduct of their cases in Courts of Law.
2. Providing Legal Advice to Police Investigators
2.1 Advises investigators on aspects of evidence and procedures.
2.2 Advises investigators on what kind of evidence to look for, if any.
3. Issuing Directives on Treatment of Cases Reported to the DPP
3.1 Peruses dockets and issues directives accordingly.
4. Supervising Professional Staff
4.1 Supervises professional staff in the DPP’s Office in the Northern Region.
4.2 Orients newly appointed staff for adaptation into the job.
4.3 Guides professional staff on techniques of handling cases in order to enable them to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently (including counsel for magistrate court cases).
4.4 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 of 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
For Work of Others
The incumbent is responsible for supervising and monitoring Senior Crown Counsel and Crown Counsel in the Northern Region. The incumbent supervises Senior Crown Counsel and Crown Counsel in drawing up indictments for submission to the Registrar of the High Court, issuing directives, and planning prosecution and court sessions.
For Property
Responsible for the custody of law books and files.
Effect of Errors
Errors in judgment may lead to mismanagement of cases.
For Safety of Others
None.
Complexity
Authority for Decision Making
The incumbent has the authority to decide which cases are to be prosecuted, how they should be handled, and to advise Police Investigators on aspects of evidence.
Problem Solving
- May need to respond to questions regarding why certain cases were not attended to by subordinates.
- May resolve conflicts between Criminal Section staff members related to their duties.
Supervision Received
The incumbent is expected to work independently, except in sensitive matters where close consultation with the Crown Attorney and the Director of Public Prosecutions is required.
Dexterity
Not applicable.
Contacts
The incumbent is required to make contacts with:
- All members of professional staff for consultations where a case has bearing on other sections;
- Members of other government ministries and departments who may give instructions and/or seek legal advice;
- Members of the public in handling court cases.
Effort
Mental Effort
- Requires extensive reading of law books, reports, and journals in preparation for court cases.
- Requires good eyesight and hearing.
- High concentration is required in Courts of Law to follow proceedings.
Physical Effort
- Requires standing for long periods, depending on the length of court cases.
Emotional Effort
- May be expected to handle urgent matters before Courts of Law, such as bail applications.
Working Conditions
Occasionally expected to work beyond normal working hours, such as when attending to the accommodation of witnesses in local hotels.
Hazards
The incumbent may face threats or attacks from criminals in respect of cases handled.
Application Guidelines
Applications should be made on the relevant forms:
- G.P. 103 for job seekers.
- G.P. 104 for serving officers.
Applications must include:
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts.
- Certified copy of National Identity Document (ID).
Addressed to:
The Principal Secretary
Ministry of Law and Justice
P.O. Box 33
Maseru 100
OR
Hand deliver to one of the following:
- Law Office: Human Resources Office, Qhobosheaneng Office Complex, Phase 1, Room 065B
- Justice Office: Human Resources Office, Old Justice Building, Parliamentary Road (Opposite Tourist Board and DCEO)
- Government Printing: Human Resources Office, Industrial Area Station
Closing Date: 26th September 2025