Litigation Attorney
The Legal Resources Centre
Johannesburg, South Africa
Closing Date:
Monday, 10 August 2026
Open
About the African Climate Legal Fellowship Program
This role is part of the African Climate Legal Fellowship Program, an 18-month program designed to build capacity at African public interest law organizations, further strategic climate and environmental legal action, and bring new attorneys to the public interest sector.
Now entering its second cohort, the Fellowship places participants (“Fellows”) in climate and environmental legal organizations in Africa (“Host Organizations”) for a fulltime, 18-month placement to advance strategic legal action, therefore helping organizations achieve their critical missions.
Fellows join a cohort-based learning journey that includes:
-
Tailored climate, legal and leadership development modules
-
Professional coaching and support
-
Peer learning and community exchange
-
Access to professional networks in climate and environmental law
-
Launch convening (in-person in an African location)
About the Organisation
The Legal Resources Centre (LRC) is South Africa's largest public interest law centre, using strategic litigation, legal advocacy and law reform to advance constitutional rights, social justice and equality. Founded in 1979, the LRC has played a pivotal role in challenging injustice, from opposing apartheid-era laws to advancing landmark cases on human rights, environmental justice, education, land rights, healthcare and gender equality. Working alongside individuals, communities and civil society organisations, the LRC promotes access to justice, strengthens constitutional democracy and uses the law to drive lasting social and systemic change in South Africa.
About the Job
The LRC seeks to appoint a Litigation Attorney, in its Johannesburg office, for a fixed term period of eighteen (18) months. The position will be based in the land and resources programme, with a focus on furthering the LRC’s climate change litigation. The remuneration will be commensurate with qualification and experience. Travel within Africa for a launch convening will also be required.
Key Responsibilities
Legal research with a focus on the intersection of climate change with access to land and resources and the right to food
Conceptualising and anchoring strategic litigation, working in teams
Develop partnership opportunities and manage stakeholder relationships
Act as a spokesperson and represent the Centre in public, media and community forums
Manage risk, compliance, funding and reporting obligations
Drafting submissions to Parliament and regional and international mechanisms
Requirements
Admission and enrolment as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Minimum of 5 years post articles High Court litigation experience
Demonstrable litigation, legal writing, research and communication capabilities
Fluency in at least two official South African languages including English
A commitment to staff development and teamwork
Strong negotiation, administrative, training and development skills
Sound knowledge of human rights, constitutional impact litigation
Passionate about addressing inequality, restoring dignity to disadvantaged individuals and communities
Experience working with directly impacted communities or eagerness to learn how to do so
Ability to work well under pressure, independently and with others
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability
Valid Driver’s Licence
Preferred qualifications and experience:
Right of appearance in the in the High Court
An LLM degree in a human rights related field
Experience in environmental rights litigation
Expertise in regional and international law
To apply
To apply, email your application by Monday, 10th August to melissa@actionappointments.co.za. Further submission instructions will be shared with candidates during the process.
