ProBono.Org is a dynamic NGO that works with the private legal profession to provide pro bono legal services to the poor and contributes to ensuring access to justice for impoverished people living in South Africa.
ProBono.Org has seeks to appoint a Paralegal to be based in its Johannesburg office.
Commencement Date: 17 May 2021
Period: 2 Year Contract
Key Performance Areas:
Providing a legal service to ProBono.Org clients
Interviewing persons seeking legal assistance or any person acting on their behalf;
Assessing their matters in terms of the ProBono.Org criteria;
Consulting with your supervisor on the best strategy for dealing with each matter, such as direct assistance, mediation, litigation or other form of legal intervention;
Preparing detailed briefs for legal practitioners in matters which require pro bono legal assistance;
Generally, managing all matters from time of consultation until such matter is either closed or referred to a suitable pro bono attorney, which includes regular follow-up on the progress of the case;
Undertaking all duties assigned to you to enable overall effective work performance both at the office and other locations;
Participating in projects that your office/department/project is working on;
Assisting in planning and executing training and other events held by ProBono.Org.
Qualifications and experience:
A diploma in paralegal studies;
2-3 years of experience in general law office skills providing paralegal services, either in a law firm or a law clinic (e.g. at university or in a community advice office) or any other legal environment, such as Legal Aid South Africa;
The candidate should have police clearance not older than three months;
Experience in child law cases, including undocumented minors, and Children’s Courts;
Knowledge and understanding of refugee and migrant law, and the law and rights of refugee and migrant children in South Africa, with special focus on the legal terminology used and the legal procedure to be followed in these types of cases;
Skills:
Excellent written communication skills, for drafting opinions, correspondence and other documents;
Excellent oral communication skills, ensuring effective interaction with the project managers in Johannesburg, clients, experts, vendors, court staff, attorneys, advocates and other stakeholders;
Good computer skills, with proficiency in Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and webinar support for training and presentations via Zoom and Microsoft Teams;
High levels of organisation – internal and external;
Excellent organisational skills enabling the management of voluminous case files and exhibits;
Strong research skills to keep abreast of any developments in child, refugee/migrant law, and the law pertaining to the rights of undocumented children;
Ability to learn quickly and understand the work of ProBono.Org;
Rigid attention to detail and ability to work under pressure;
Ability to adjust to new circumstances and change.
Interpersonal skills:
Commitment to social justice and access to justice;
Good interpersonal skills;
Ability to work with a wide range of people in a respectful way;
Patience;
Ability to work under pressure;
Interest in people and their problems;
Teamwork that involves assisting with general ProBono.Org needs such as working on events;
Displaying a strong work ethic, including being prepared to work extra time when required.
Note that this position will require occasional travel to Limpopo.
To apply, kindly email a motivational letter and your CV with certified copies of qualifications and academic transcripts to [email protected] .
NB: Applications which do not comply with the above will not be considered.
For more about ProBono.org, refer to https://www.probono.net/about/