Director: UFS Law Clinic (post level 5) (contract appointment: 5 years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term) (Job ID 6257) – (1945)

The University of the Free State (UFS) Law Clinic is looking for a dedicated and experienced Director to lead its operations. This is a five-year contract appointment, with a possibility for reappointment, for a Post Level 5 position within the Faculty of Law in Bloemfontein.

As the Director, you will provide strategic, operational, and professional leadership, ensuring the Clinic functions effectively as both a legal service provider and a clinical legal education environment. Your role will be similar to a director or principal attorney in a law firm, ensuring compliance with Legal Practice Council (LPC) requirements, supervising legal staff, and delivering high-quality legal services to indigent clients while supporting the Faculty of Law’s academic mission.

About the UFS Law Clinic

The UFS Law Clinic is part of the University of the Free State’s Faculty of Law. It plays a crucial role in providing legal services to those in need and offers practical legal education to students, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Guide the Clinic in line with UFS and Faculty goals, ensuring compliance with legal and university policies.
• Legal & Professional Management: Oversee and manage legal service delivery (family law, labour, housing, etc.), supervise attorneys and legal interns, and approve all legal documents.
• Academic & Training Support: Work with academic staff to integrate practical training into the LLB curriculum and facilitate experiential learning for law students.
• Financial & Operational Oversight: Manage the Clinic’s budget, secure funding, oversee recordkeeping, and ensure compliance with financial and risk management standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build partnerships with Legal Aid SA, courts, community organizations, and government agencies, and promote access to justice initiatives.

What You Need to Apply (Inherent Requirements)

To be considered for this vital role, you must have:

• An LLB degree (NQF Level 8).
• Admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, in good standing (proof required).
• At least six (6) years of post-admission legal experience, with a minimum of four (4) years in a leadership or management position (e.g., director, senior attorney, or principal of a law firm).
• Proven experience in clinical legal education, access to justice initiatives, or legal aid services.
• A track record of staff supervision, financial management, and engaging with various stakeholders.
• Current registration with the Legal Practice Council (LPC) (proof required).
• A valid driver’s license (copy required).

Advantageous Skills and Qualifications (Recommendations)

These will be a plus:

• A postgraduate qualification in Law, Management, or Higher Education (e.g., LLM/LLD, MBA).
• Experience in donor funding, grant management, and partnership development.
• A strong commitment to social justice and community service.
• Knowledge of university systems, academic governance, and transformation initiatives.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including court appearances and community engagements.

Required Competencies

We are looking for someone with:

• Results Orientation: Ability to set and achieve high goals, be reliable, and take responsibility.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to manage multiple tasks, analyze information, and solve problems logically.
• Business Acumen: Deep knowledge of civil, family, and labour law, litigation management, ethics, and professional conduct. Proficiency in MS Office Suite, legal management software, and digital filing systems.
• Leadership: High personal motivation, energy, enthusiasm, and the ability to foster cooperation.
• Building Coalitions: Sensitivity to others’ needs, understanding, and decision-making through consultation and collaboration.

Important Application Information

Term of Office: Contract appointment for five (5) years, with the possibility of reappointment.

Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible.

Closing Date: 25 October 2025

Salary: The salary scale is available upon request.

Fringe Benefits: (Subject to specific conditions) Pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus, and study benefits.

How to Apply

Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

When applying, please ensure you submit a complete application package, including:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof (include SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your South African ID or passport (for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment (letter, contract, service certificate, or recent payslip) from your current or most recent employer (external applicants only).
• ALL documents listed under the ‘Inherent Job Requirements’ (proof of admission, LPC registration, driver’s license).

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. We recommend merging documents into fewer files to avoid upload issues.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

Enquiries

For enquiries, please contact 051 401 9329 or email [email protected]. You can also contact 051 401 9848 for assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The UFS is committed to diversity and redress, striving for excellence in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including individuals with disabilities. The University processes personal information according to POPIA, ensuring confidentiality.

The University reserves the right not to fill this post. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date for applications, please consider your application unsuccessful.