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: Civil
Job Title: Chief Attorney (2)
Grade: 1
Responsible To: Crown Attorney
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Crown Attorney, the Chief Attorney is responsible for representing the Government in civil litigation, providing legal advice to Government, and supervising professional staff.
Main Duties
1. Representing the Government in Civil Litigation
1.1 Peruses court processes served upon the Attorney General’s Chambers to determine whether there is a case to answer.
1.2 Interviews clients to obtain instructions relating to cases against them.
1.3 Drafts pleadings in response to cases against Government.
1.4 Appears and argues cases before Courts of Law to enable fair decisions.
1.5 Calculates expenses incurred during litigation in order to recover them on behalf of Government.
2. Providing Legal Advice to Government
2.1 Interprets and applies the Constitution to protect individual rights, the Rule of Law, and democracy.
2.2 Drafts and reviews agreements entered into between Government and other parties to ensure compliance with the Laws of the country.
2.3 Provides legal opinions to Government ministries to ensure their actions are within the confines of the law.
3. Supervising Professional Staff
3.1 Orientates newly appointed staff for adaptation into the job.
3.2 Guides professional staff on techniques of handling cases to enable them to discharge duties effectively and efficiently.
Knowledge and Skills
Education and Training
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years practice of Civil Law;
OR - At least two (2) years’ experience at a level equivalent to Senior Crown Counsel.
Other Necessary Knowledge
- Knowledge of Public Service Laws, Rules, and Regulations.
Responsibility
For Work of Others
- Supervises professional staff, including Senior Crown Counsel and Crown Counsel, who may occasionally require guidance.
For Property
- Responsible for custody of Law Books and files.
Effect of Errors
- Responsible for errors that may be committed in the misjudgment of cases.
For Safety of Others
- Not applicable.
Complexity
Authority for Decision Making
- Authorized to decide which cases are to be defended, how to handle them, and to advise clients accordingly.
Problem Solving
- May answer queries as to why certain cases were not attended to by subordinates.
- May resolve conflicts among Civil Section staff related to their duties.
Supervision
- Expected to work independently, except in sensitive matters requiring consultation with the Director of Civil Litigation and the Deputy Attorney General.
Dexterity
- Not applicable.
Contacts
Contacts Made
- Professional staff, for consultations where cases overlap across sections.
- Other Government ministries/departments, for legal advice or instructions.
- International organisations, for meetings and negotiations on behalf of Government.
- Members of the public, in handling Court cases.
Effort
Mental Effort
- Requires reading of Law Books, Law Reports, and Journals in preparation for court cases.
- Must possess good eyesight and hearing.
- Concentration required in Courts of Law to follow proceedings.
Physical Effort
- Requires standing for long periods, depending on case length.
Emotional Effort
- Expected to work on urgent matters before Courts of Law.
- Deals with clients who may be impatient, in a hurry, or provide conflicting instructions. Requires patience, understanding, and tolerance.
Working Conditions
- Occasionally required to work outside normal working hours when attending to urgent matters.
Hazards
- The role may expose the incumbent to risks arising from litigation matters and interactions with aggrieved parties.
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