Right2Protest Attorney

The Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) is a leading human rights centre in the Wits Law School which undertakes research, advocacy and strategic litigation.  Together with a number of our colleague organisations, CALS is setting up a project on the Right to Protest and is looking for two dynamic people to join that team.  These are fixed-term appointments (Sept 2016 – Dec 2017) with the intention of a longer-term appointment, funding dependent.  The Right to Protest team will be housed at, and employed by, CALS but will be accountable to a broader Steering Committee of civil society organisations.  We are ideally looking for people who could start as soon as possible.

POSITION 1: RIGHT2PROTEST ATTORNEY

Qualifications, skills and experience required: 

• An LLB or equivalent qualification
• Admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, preferably with experience in protest and/or criminal litigation  
• Good oral and written communication skills in English (fluency in other South African languages will be an advantage)
• Ability to think about the law as an instrument of social justice to advance human rights and reduce poverty
• Ability to undertake research and produce written reports for publication
• Initiative (as this position is the first of its kind)

Key responsibilities:

• provide assistance to activists and communities attempting to exercise their right to protest, including bail applications, representation at meetings held in terms of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, legal representation in associated criminal/civil proceedings and telephonic advice; 
• organise and facilitate workshops in order to build knowledge and capacity on protest issues;
• develop material for use by communities and activists;
• undertake research in support of advocacy and litigation activities;
• draft an annual State of Protest Report analysing trends in protest activity;
• draft submissions on draft legislation and policies relevant to protest;
• engage with the media, including through press statements, interviews and writing opinion editorials; and
• build relationships with colleague organisations working on protest issues.

REMUNERATION: 

Remuneration is commensurate with experience. CALS is a grant-funded institution and the level of remuneration is dependent on available funding.

Please note that we are looking for candidates who wish to pursue a career in social justice in particular rather than just securing a job. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who will contribute to the diversity and transformation of the social justice sector.  Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  The University reserves the right not to appoint if suitable candidates are not found.

CLOSING DATE: 19 August 2016