Senior Attorney

SA - Kwa Zulu Natal, Durban

A reputable law firm based in Durban is seeking an experienced Senior Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 7–10 years’ post-admission experience. The role requires extensive, hands‑on labour law expertise, including representation before the CCMA and the Labour Court, as well as a proven track record in arbitrations and review applications. Strong drafting and advocacy skills are essential, together with the ability to work independently and manage matters effectively with minimal supervision.

Salary:
Market Related

• Core Responsibilities – Labour & Employment Law

  Dispute Resolution & Litigation

  Represent clients in:
  CCMA proceedings (conciliation and arbitration),
  Bargaining Council proceedings,
  Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court

  Conduct arbitrations involving:
  Misconduct, Poor work performance, Ill‑health incapacity, Operational requirements (retrenchments), Unfair labour practices

  Draft and settle:
  Referral forms (LRA 7.11 / 7.13), Pre‑arbitration minutes, Statements of case and responses, Review applications (section 145), Opposing and replying affidavits, Heads of argument, Settlement agreements and consent orders

  Advisory & Compliance (South African Framework)

  Advise employers and employees on:
  Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995
  , Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997
  , Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998
  , Occupational Health and Safety Act
  , Code of Good Practice:
  Dismissal

  Draft and review:
  Employment contracts (fixed‑term, permanent, executive), Disciplinary codes and procedures, Grievance procedures, Workplace policies (leave, misconduct, incapacity, retrenchment)

  Provide guidance on:
  Section 189 and 189A retrenchment processes, Transfers of business as a going concern (section 197), Restraint of trade disputes, Automatically unfair dismissals, Protected and unprotected strikes

  Chairing & Internal Processes

  Chair and/or prosecute:
  Disciplinary hearings, Incapacity enquiries, Internal appeals;
  Advise on procedural and substantive fairness;
  Prepare chairpersons’ findings and outcome letters

  Secondary Responsibilities – Other Areas of Law

  General civil litigation in the Magistrates’ Court and High Court
  , Contractual disputes and commercial drafting, Estate‑related litigation or advisory work (where required), Any other legal work reasonably required to support the firm’s practice

  Practice Management & Professional Obligations

  Independent management of allocated files from instruction to finalisation;
  Compliance with court rules, directives, and statutory time periods;
  Client consultations, strategy formulation, and ongoing client communication;
  Briefing and managing counsel where necessary;
  Supervision and mentoring of junior attorneys, candidate attorneys, and support staff;
  Ensuring compliance with:
  Legal Practice Act
  , LPC rules and professional conduct standards;
  Contribution to firm strategy, precedent development, and training

Consultant:
Tarren Roodt – Dante Personnel Johannesburg