Centre for Applied Legal Studies: Attorney

The Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) is a leading human rights centre based in the Wits Law School which undertakes research, strategic litigation, and public interest advocacy. CALS currently runs five Programmes namely basic services, education, environment, gender and rule of law.

The CALS’ Basic Services Programme concentrates largely on giving content to, and ensuring the practical implementation of rights such as the right of access to adequate housing and protection from arbitrary eviction established by section 26 of the Constitution, particularly in Johannesburg where poor and marginalised communities are regularly evicted from their homes.

CALS seeks to appoint an Attorney, based in Johannesburg.

S/he will join the Basic Services Programme.

Responsibilities:

• Initiate and conduct strategic litigation in the basic services arena;
• Advise clients on a wide range of socio-economic rights issues;
• Provide expert input into draft policies and legislation;
• Liaise and build relations with other organisations working in the field;
• Research in support of advocacy and litigation activities;
• Draft fundraising proposals and identifying potential funders;
• Draft project reports and reporting to donors;
• Supervise candidate attorneys, junior researchers and interns;
• Support the work of attorneys in other Programmes when necessary.

Requirements:

• LLB or equivalent qualification;
• Advanced degree with specialisation in socio-economic rights will be an advantage;
• Admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa;
• Minimum of five years practical legal experience, experience in housing litigation will be an advantage;
• Communication skills in English;
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office;
• Ability to undertake research and produce written reports for publication;
• Ability to organise and facilitate workshops;
• Self-starter and ability to work independently;
• Ability to meet delivery targets and to work as part of a broader team;
• Ability to demonstrate initiative to contribute to the development of projects and the development of CALS as an organisation.

Starting date: Immediately.

Salary: Remuneration commensurate with experience will be offered.  CALS is a grant-funded institution and the level of remuneration is dependent on available funding.

Enquiries: Acting Head of Programmes, Lisa Chamberlain, Tel: 011 717 8624, E-mail: lisa.chamberlain@wits.ac.za.

To apply, submit a CV, certified copies of degrees/diplomas, contact details of three referees and motivation letter to the Human Resources Officer, Zelda Stroud at Zelda.Stroud@wits.ac.za or fax to: 011 717 8170 or post to University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050.

Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.

Individuals from previously disadvantaged population groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

CALS reserves the right not to appoint if suitable candidates are not found.

For more about the Wits Law Clinic, refer to www.wits.ac.za/law.

For more about the Witwatersrand University, refer to www.wits.ac.za.

For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.

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