Head of Office / Senior Legal Practice & Office Manager

Johannesburg, South AfricaFull-timeSeniorOn-sitePosted 5 Oct 2026

Job Overview

A busy legal office in Johannesburg is seeking an accomplished senior admitted Attorney or Advocate to take responsibility for its leadership, strategic direction and operational management as Head of Office (Level 2). This is a senior leadership opportunity combining strong litigation knowledge with people leadership, legal practice management, stakeholder engagement and financial oversight.

You will lead a diverse team of legal and support professionals, oversee the quality and compliance of legal service delivery, mentor Candidate Attorneys and newly appointed practitioners, and manage office operations, budgets and forecasts. The role also represents the office with government departments, community organisations, clients and other stakeholders, and owns operational, financial, legal and reputational risk mitigation.

Ideal for a practitioner with 10+ years' post-admission experience (5+ at court/legal management level) and a proven track record in both criminal and civil litigation who wants to move beyond individual matters to broader responsibility for service delivery, people, strategy, operations and governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop a diverse team of legal and support professionals

• Oversee delivery and quality of legal services in line with legal and ethical standards

• Mentor and develop Candidate Attorneys and newly appointed legal practitioners

• Develop and implement strategies to improve service delivery; monitor delivery and drive corrective initiatives

• Oversee office operations, performance and resource allocation

• Manage the office budget, monitor expenditure, identify efficiencies and prepare financial reports and forecasts

• Build relationships with government departments, community organisations, clients and stakeholders; represent the office at meetings and conferences

• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies and governance; identify and mitigate operational, financial, legal and reputational risks

Required Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification at NQF Level 8

• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, in good standing

• Minimum 10 years' post-admission experience as a legal practitioner, at least 5 years at court/legal management level

• Extensive knowledge of court processes: Magistrates', High Court, SCA, Land Court, Labour Courts and Constitutional Court

• Demonstrated experience training and developing Candidate Attorneys

• Experience in budget preparation and management, strategic planning, programme management and team leadership

• Proven track record in both criminal and civil litigation

Skills & Requirements

Litigation (Criminal & Civil)Legal Practice ManagementCourt ProcessesPeople LeadershipCandidate Attorney TrainingBudget ManagementFinancial ReportingStrategic PlanningStakeholder EngagementLegal Ethics & GovernanceProgramme ManagementRisk Management