EXECUTIVE LEGAL SECRETARY

About the position

JOB PROFILE / LOCATION: A Permanent Specialist Role in the Legal Sector based in Illovo (Johannesburg)

REMUNERATION DATA: R600, 000.00 - R700, 000.00 PA (Total Cost to Company)

JOB SUMMARY: My client is in search of a suitably qualified and experienced individual to provide high-level secretarial and administrative support to attorneys within the commercial litigation practice. The role requires strong litigation experience, exceptional document management skills, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, deadline-driven legal environment. Exposure to deceased estates will be advantageous, particularly in matters intersecting with commercial disputes.

Key Responsibilities

• Litigation & Legal Support
• Draft, format, and proofread legal documents (pleadings, notices, affidavits, contracts, opinions)
• Manage litigation processes from inception to finalisation
• Handle court filings (High Court, Magistrates Court, and electronic platforms such as CaseLines / Court Online)
• Maintain and update case files, both physical and digital
• Diary management for court dates, consultations, and deadlines
• Commercial Legal Administration
• Assist with commercial litigation matters including contractual disputes, debt recovery, and corporate litigation
• Liaise with clients, counsel, sheriffs, and correspondents professionally
• Prepare briefs to counsel and trial bundles
• Track billing, time recording, and invoicing support
• Deceased Estates (Advantageous)
• Assist with estate administration documentation where required
• Liaise with the Master of the High Court
• Prepare and manage estate-related correspondence and filings
• General Secretarial Duties
• Typing (high volume, high accuracy)
• Document management and filing systems
• Travel arrangements and meeting coordination (if required)

Minimum Requirements

• Matric (Grade 12) - essential
• Legal Secretarial Diploma / relevant certification - advantageous
• Minimum 5-8 years' experience as a Legal / Litigation Secretary
• Proven experience in commercial litigation
• Exposure to deceased estates administration (advantageous)
• Technical Skills
• Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience with legal systems (e.g., AJS, GhostPractice, LegalSuite)
• Familiarity with CaseLines / Court Online / e-filing systems

Desired Skills:

• Commercial Law