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: Legal Aid
Position: Principal Legal Aid Counsel
Station: Legal Aid – Qacha’s Nek
Responsible to: Deputy Director, Legal Aid
Job Summary
The incumbent is responsible to the Deputy Director, Legal Aid, for the supervision of Legal Aid Counsel and the administration of the Legal Aid Office.
Main Duties
Supervision and Administration
a) Appraises Legal Aid Counsel to ascertain performance against work plans.
b) Consults new clients and distributes work among Legal Aid Counsel.
c) Attends to public complaints made against Legal Aid.
d) Attends to complaints made against Legal Aid personnel in the Legal Aid Offices.
e) Resolves staff conflicts in order to harmonize working relations whenever reported.
f) Networks with other stakeholders to ensure good working relations on a regular basis.
g) Liaises with the Deputy Director, Legal Aid, in the administration of the department.
h) Reviews Legal Aid Counsel pleadings (drafts) before they are filed with the Registrar’s Clerk in the High Court and Clerks of Court in the Subordinate Court.
i) Liaises with Deputy Sheriffs in the High Court and Messengers of Court in the Subordinate Court for timely service of court processes and delivery of returns of service to the department.
j) Oversees payment of returns of service by the Legal Aid Officer and Accounts Section.
Providing Legal Representation in Criminal and Civil Cases
a) Provides legal representation in both criminal and civil cases.
b) Reviews records from lower courts before appealing or reviewing decisions in the Magistrates’ or High Court.
c) Provides counseling to persons seeking legal assistance.
d) Provides legal advice to indigent persons in legal matters.
e) Advises people whether to institute legal proceedings or negotiate settlement out of court.
f) Reviews and assesses court processes served upon the office to determine whether claims should be defended or settled out of court.
g) Interviews clients to determine whether their case has merit.
h) Institutes fresh summonses, applications, etc., after interviewing clients.
i) Drafts pleadings in response to claims set out in plaintiffs’ or applicants’ papers.
j) Appears in court to argue cases to enable the court to arrive at justice.
k) Interprets the Constitution and other laws to ensure proper application in the protection of the rule of law, rights, and democracy.
Performance Management
a) Prepares and drafts work plans for Legal Aid Counsel.
b) Reviews Legal Aid Counsel work plans for quarterly appraisals.
c) Monitors submission of monthly reports by Legal Aid Counsel.
d) Assists in the preparation of annual budgets and operational performance plans.
e) Oversees transport logistics in the department (authorizes trips by signing drivers’ logbooks).
Job Specification
a) LLM plus two (2) years’ working experience as Legal Aid Counsel.
OR
b) LLB plus three (3) years’ working experience as Legal Aid Counsel.
AND
- The incumbent must be admitted as a Legal Practitioner.
Responsibilities
a) For Work of Others
- Responsible for the supervision of all Legal Aid Counsel and support staff.
b) For Property (Equipment, Material, and Finance)
- Accountable for Legal Aid offices and premises, as well as materials and equipment.
c) For Welfare of Staff
- Responsible for the safety, security, and welfare of staff within the Legal Aid Offices.
Dexterity
Not applicable.
Contacts
Makes regular contact with Legal Aid Counsel, Prisons, Public Prosecutions, and legal practitioners.
Effort
Mental Effort:
The job requires very high mental effort due to the complexities of the law and justice delivery. The incumbent must have strong knowledge of court procedures and the law in general, and maintain excellent concentration in court proceedings.
Physical Effort:
Minimal.
Emotional Effort:
The job requires sobriety and understanding when handling sensitive problems. The incumbent may be required to work on urgent matters before courts of law.
Working Conditions
Minimal.
Hazards
Minimal.
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