Registrar Job at OCJ Pietermaritzburg – Legal Admin Role
| Job Title: | Post Registrar |
|---|---|
| Date: | Closing Date: 07 October 2025 |
| Location: | Pietermaritzburg High Court, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Salary: | R324,579 – R1,111,323 per annum (MR3–MR5) |
| Company: | Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) |
| Reference Number: | 2025/244/OCJ |
| Contract Type: | Permanent (includes performance agreement) |
Introduction
The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) is offering a unique opportunity for legally qualified professionals to step into a leadership role as a Registrar at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. This government vacancy is more than just a desk job — it’s a front-facing role in one of South Africa’s key legal institutions. If you’re looking for a position that combines your legal knowledge, administrative skill, and passion for the law, this role is tailor-made for you. With a generous salary range and the chance to work in the judiciary, this could be your next big career move.
About the Role
As a Registrar, your role will directly support the court’s functionality and the Judiciary. You will be responsible for managing court processes, coordinating case flow, and overseeing critical legal administration such as issuing court documents, coordinating appeals and reviews, and managing case records. The role also includes quasi-judicial responsibilities like taxation of legal bills and execution of warrants. This is a demanding yet rewarding position that places you at the core of the legal system, supporting both legal professionals and judicial officers in delivering justice.
Your responsibilities will also include supervising staff, ensuring legal publications are updated, managing statistics and reports, and verifying official legal signatures. If you’re comfortable with pressure and decision-making, this is a career-defining position.
Who Should Apply
This job is ideal for legally qualified professionals with a strong administrative mindset. Whether you’re a newly qualified lawyer or a seasoned legal practitioner with years of courtroom or legal office experience, the Registrar role offers space for both early-career and veteran professionals. The position is open from MR3 to MR5 levels, based on your post-qualification experience, which means the more experience you bring, the higher your placement and salary.
If you thrive in a structured environment and enjoy the challenge of managing court operations while interacting with legal professionals, this is the job for you. Candidates with strong ethics, confidentiality, and excellent communication skills will fit well in this judicial office.
Skills & Requirements
To qualify for this government legal vacancy, candidates must meet the following:
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
- LLB Degree or equivalent four-year legal qualification
- Valid driver’s license
- MR3: Minimum 2 years post-LLB experience
- MR4: Minimum 8 years post-LLB experience
- MR5: Minimum 14 years post-LLB experience
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong computer literacy
- Numerical accuracy and attention to detail
- Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage deadlines and multitask under pressure
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a pre-entry practical assessment and must provide service certificates to verify their legal experience.
Benefits
The Registrar role at the OCJ comes with competitive compensation, ranging from R324,579 to R1,111,323 per annum, depending on your experience level. This package is aligned with the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), ensuring fair compensation for legal professionals in the public service. Beyond salary, you’ll gain firsthand exposure to judicial processes and legal administration at a high level.
This permanent role includes a performance agreement, job stability, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on the country’s justice system. Working at the OCJ also means joining a respected government institution known for promoting integrity, professionalism, and equal opportunity across its workforce.
How to Apply
To apply, you must quote the reference number 2025/244/OCJ in your application. Submit your application using one of the methods below:
- Email: 2025/244/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Make sure to include your comprehensive CV, certified copies of your qualifications and ID, service certificates, and a valid driver’s license. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment steps, including a practical exercise.
Closing Thoughts
This Registrar vacancy at the Pietermaritzburg High Court is a golden opportunity for legal professionals ready to expand their career in a meaningful way. If you meet the requirements and are passionate about justice and administration, don’t miss your chance. Apply before the deadline on 07 October 2025 and step into a respected role that places you at the intersection of law, leadership, and public service.
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