LRC Candidate Attorneys
Current Vacancies
From time-to-time, positions open up in the Legal Resources Centre. The LRC employs legal staff, legal support staff such as paralegals and researchers, and non-legal staff, including communication and grant officers, financial officers, and office administrators.
Experience in the non-profit sector and an interest in human rights is not a prerequisite but is helpful in the application process. The LRC is committed to transformation; applications from previously disadvantaged candidates are therefore strongly encouraged.
The purpose of the LRC’s candidate attorney programme is to train graduates in the field of public interest litigation and constitutional law. The CA programme is for two years.
The LRC does not provide training in criminal or family matters, except as it relates to women’s and children’s rights. We invite applications from suitably qualified law graduates and those in the final year of their LLB degree for positions in our various offices (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg or Makhanda), commencing in January every year.
Applicants must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence, have good writing and reporting skills, and a background or interest in public interest law. Sound academic results are essential. The Legal Resources Centre is an employment equity and affirmative action employer.
Applications should be submitted to Madile Modisaesi (madile@lrc.org.za). Applications should include at least:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcript
All the best with your applications.
LRC Interns
Over the years, the LRC has welcomed legal and non-legal volunteers or interns from all over the world. The LRC accepts applications from students who have completed at least one year (preferably two years) of their legal or other studies. Interns who apply for, and are granted, an internship from outside South Africa are considered to be volunteers.
The LRC does not pay a stipend or remunerate interns in any way. The LRC does not provide any medical benefits or insurance to interns. Medical insurance and/or travel insurance should be obtained prior to the intern’s departure for South Africa.
What will you do?
Legal Interns will be exposed to legal research and litigation and will be expected to assist with drafting legal memoranda, providing legal opinions, interviewing clients, and assisting the LRC in preparing applications and actions.
The LRC also accepts internship applications from students or professionals with an interest and/or background in fundraising, communications, marketing, management, accounting, social science research, or similar fields. Non-legal interns will assist in an area of work that most closely fits their expertise.
How long is an internship?
The duration of an internship is typically a minimum of eight weeks and does not exceed six months in duration. We strongly encourage applicants to submit the necessary documents at least six months in advance.
Transport and accommodation
Interns are encouraged to make prior arrangements for accommodation and transport for the duration of their stay in South Africa. You may obtain more information from the respective LRC regional office should you be accepted.
How to apply
To apply for a legal or non-legal internship at one of the LRC offices (Durban, Johannesburg, National, Makhanda or Cape Town), please send the following to interninfo@lrc.org.za
- Curriculum Vitae no longer than three (3) pages
A cover letter motivating appointment. Cover letter to include
a) the regional office you would like to intern in,
b) your available dates (indicating start and end dates) and
c) what citizenship status you hold - Any other supporting documents
LRC Pupils
In 2017, the LRC welcomed its first Arthur Chaskalson Pupillage Fellows. The Chaskalson LRC Pupillage Fellowship was launched to assist persons intending to undertake pupillage and with an interest in public interest practice, and provides support to fellows in the form of a one-year bursary. The Fellowship is awarded to excellent candidates committed to the achievement of a just society and realizing the vision of the Constitution.
The Fellow/s serve pupillage in accordance with all the ordinary requirements applicable to pupils at the Bar and are required to work both from the LRC offices and from chambers, under the supervision of the mentor, and to engage with other members of the Bar in order to acquire the necessary exposure and experience across all areas of practice.
Following the completion of pupillage, it is envisaged that the candidate may take up a position as junior counsel in the LRC’s Constitutional Litigation Unit, subject to the availability of a position and funds.
The requirements for the Fellowship are:
- An LLB degree (further postgraduate qualifications will be an advantage);
- Intention to undertake pupillage at a Bar where the LRC operates;
- A demonstrated commitment to social justice, apparent from academic studies, prior work experience and/or extra-curricular activities; and
- Expertise and/or interest in public law and public interest law.
- Only previously disadvantaged candidates will be considered and female candidates will be preferred in accordance with the LRC’s commitment to the transformation of the legal profession a