JUDICIARY
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NO. 5 OF 2025
REF: J/CIR/5
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant positions tenable at the Judiciary:
DEPARTMENT: Mohale’s Hoek
JOB TITLE: Judge’s Clerk
RESPONSIBLE TO: Deputy Registrar
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Deputy Registrar, the incumbent is responsible for managing the work schedule for the Judge and conducting research to assist the Judge in preparing judgments.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Conduct Legal Research
1.1 Assists the Judge in analyzing and determining issues involved in cases heard.
1.2 Discusses issues so determined with the Judge.
1.3 Carries out detailed research on particular legal topics.
1.4 Presents researched materials on all decided cases and legislation, both local and international, to the Judge.
1.5 Monitors and brings to the attention of the Judiciary new developments in law and jurisprudence.
2. Prepares the Judge’s Daily Workload
2.1 Manages the Judge’s diary in relation to the delivery of judgments.
2.2 Conducts citation checking of draft judgments before delivery.
2.3 Convenes the court and sits in court for the duration of every trial to note and follow up on any orders.
2.4 Secures for transmission to the Registrar any exhibits handed in during proceedings.
2.5 Communicates dates of delivery of judgments to the Registrar.
2.6 Liaises with the Registrar to prepare for the Judge’s scheduled meetings (e.g., pre-trial meetings with lawyers).
3. Liaises with the Registrar on Court Matters
Records all postponements made in court in relation to:
3.1 Fresh cases
3.2 Part-heard cases
3.3 Reserved judgments
3.4 Records and assesses all support staff in court
3.5 Records stage of proceedings in court
3.6 Performs any other court-related work requested to improve the efficiency of the court.
Also liaises with the Roll Office regarding postponements and new hearing dates.
4. Keeps Stock of Files in Chambers and Their Status
4.1 Criminal Trials
4.2 Criminal Applications
4.3 Criminal Reviews
4.4 Civil Trials
4.5 Civil Applications
4.6 Civil Reviews
4.7 Appeal Cases
5. Safekeeping of Records / Court-related Work
5.1 Ensures proper movement and management of files in and out of the Judge’s Chambers.
5.2 Takes all complete cases to the Registrar for safekeeping in the Registries.
5.3 Ensures overall file security in chambers.
5.4 Ensures proper filing and indexing of all delivered judgments in Judges’ Chambers.
6. Preparation of Monthly Returns
Compiles all judgments delivered and prepares monthly reports.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
7. Personal Traits
Responsibility for Work of Others
None.
Responsibility for Property (Materials, Resources and Equipment)
Subject to the supervision of his/her immediate supervisor, the incumbent accounts for all materials and equipment placed at his/her disposal.
8. COMPLEXITY
(a) Decision Making
Subject to the direction of the Judge and the Registrar, the incumbent will decide on the law applicable to each case.
(b) Problem Solving
The incumbent will collect materials, analyze them, and present appropriate information needed for the judgment in question.
(c) Dexterity
The work requires:
- Good listening, writing, research, and analytical skills
- Report writing
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to integrate knowledge from diverse sources
- Planning and organizing ability
WORKING CONDITIONS
(a) Unfavourable Conditions
At times, the nature of research will subject the incumbent to unfavourable working conditions, including working beyond normal working hours, on holidays, or weekends.
(b) Hazards
The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to risks, such as possible attacks by litigants or relatives of accused persons.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications on relevant forms (GP 104 for serving officers and GP 103 for job seekers), accompanied by certified copies of educational certificates, transcripts and CVs, should be hand delivered to:
Human Resources Office
High Court
Not later than 12th December 2025