About the job
UP Professional and Support

LEGAL DEPARTMENT

LEGAL ASSISTANT

POST LEVEL 11

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria’s commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Key Responsibilities

To provide the University with cost-effective quality support in respect of student discipline, litigation, contracts, labour matters, governance and compliance, trademarks, training and to provide general legal advice within the institution.

Key Responsibilities Include

Under the supervision of the relevant Deputy-Director:

Student Discipline

Ensuring that all reported cases of student misconduct are dealt with in accordance with the Disciplinary Code: Students;
Negotiating and finalising plea and penalty agreements with students who wish to plead guilty in accordance with the formal plea and penalty procedure in the Code;
Seeing to it that the formal disciplinary procedure is followed in respect of cases which are referred to the Disciplinary Committee (Students);
Managing the process administratively by seeing to it that the outcome of student disciplinary proceedings is communicated to all relevant stakeholders;
Ensuring that students who face disciplinary action and require support are referred to the relevant support services;
Providing administrative support to other legal advisors as and when requested.

Legal Advice

Providing legal advice and draft legal opinions as and when requested;
Reviewing of and advising on the impact of proposed and/ or new legislation / regulations / statutory and policy frameworks applicable to the University;
Drafting letters of demand and engaging in debt collection measurers on behalf of the University and other clients, as instructed;
Assisting with the drafting, vetting, and evaluation of tender documents to ensure that all procurement processes comply with applicable legislation, University policies, and contractual best practices;

Litigation

Assisting with University litigation as when necessary;
Assisting with and furnishing Attorney and Counsel with any relevant documentation or information as requested;
Attending court proceedings on behalf of the University;
Drafting comprehensive letters of instruction and compiling briefs to external attorneys representing the University in litigation;
Drafting settlement agreements;
Compiling bundles of documents including indexing and paginating;
Updating relevant University stakeholders on the status of litigation relevant to their respective portfolios;
Assisting the relevant Deputy Director with any strategic components involving litigation as requested.

Contracts

Assisting with reviewing and drafting of wide variety of different agreements which include, but is not limited | to, the following agreements:
Memorandum of Agreements;
Memorandum of Understandings;
Service Level and Services Agreements;
Donation, Grants and Funding Agreements;
Sponsorship Agreements;
Employment Agreements and Consultant Agreements;
License Agreements;
Settlement Agreements;
Non-Disclosure Agreements;
Various Faculty and Department related Agreements;
Bursary and Scholarship Agreements;
Barter Exchange Agreements;
Sub-contractor Agreements;
Various Sport Academy Agreements;
Purchase and Sale Agreements;
Researching, preparing and drafting of contract law related legal opinions;
Updating of standard contract templates in line with statutory and policy framework of the University.

Labour Relations and Training

Compiling and or providing advice on the drafting of disciplinary charges.
Providing advice and opinions on case law, collective labour law, employee policies, interpretation of legislation, regulations and directives;
Provide advice on and assist with drafting of employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, termination agreements, settlement agreements, secondment agreements, retention agreements etc;
Assisting with providing advice on Alternative Dispute Resolution processes.
Assisting with providing advice on restructuring and retrenchment processes.
Assisting with Union related matters, including the drafting and reviewing of recognition agreements, collective agreements, picketing rules, HR policies, grievance matters, strike management, etc;
Overseeing employment litigation matters in various courts, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and other forums;
Providing legal opinions on employment matters.
Providing general training to internal and external stakeholders in terms of the University pol legislation, disciplinary processes for staff and students, labour law and contracts.
Provide any other training based on development needs identified by the Director and the Deputy Directors.

Minimum Requirements

LLB degree;
One year’s experience in the following areas:
Experience in a law practice or an environment in which legal advice is given and legal risks are managed, as well as responsibility is assumed for the legal outcomes of legal processes
Experience in drafting of legal documents;
Experience in employment related dispute resolution processes (e.g., disciplinary processes, CCMA / Bargaining Council);
A valid driver’s licence.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

Knowledge in drafting of legal documents
Knowledge of the following:
Employment law;
Contract law;
Law of delict;
Intellectual property law;
Constitutional Law;
All aspects of the law applicable to higher- education institutions;
Law on alternative dispute resolution;
Law of evidence;
Understanding the business implications of legal decisions;
Language proficiency in English;
Computer skills (Microsoft as well as UP computer systems);
Sensitivity to the diverse composition and culture of the student community, academics and support services;
Ability to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions and to manage the consequences;
Ability to act independently and with insight in matters concerning settlement of disputes and adjudication;
Good interpersonal relations and communication skills;
Conflict management and negotiation skills;
Attention to detail;
Risk management;
Ability to multi-task and work independently;
Ability to engage engaging effectively across cultural boundaries;
Ability to handle sensitive legal, HR, and financial information discreetly, with integrity and a strong sense of accountability.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, manage competing priorities, and remain focused during periods of change or uncertainty.
Ability to act with utmost discretion, integrity, and strict confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Added Advantages And Preferences

One year’s experience in university administrative systems and functionality.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za , select about UP, click on Career Opportunities and select the position to be applied for.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

Cover letter;
A comprehensive CV;
Certified copies of qualifications;
Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 9 March 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms B Khumalo on email, busi.khumalo@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries. Mr J Ferreira on email: jacques.ferreira@up.ac.za for post related content. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 June 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.