CANDIDATE ATTORNEY
The Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) is a Cape Town-based public interest law organisation and registered law clinic. Our team of social justice lawyers works to advance the right to equitable, safe, and quality basic education for all learners in South Africa. We pursue this through public interest litigation, legal research and advocacy, legislative engagement, and community lawyering.
We are also committed to developing skilled, principled young attorneys in the field of education law and broader human rights practice.
Based in Cape Town, EELC seeks to fill the following vacancy: CANDIDATE ATTORNEY
Opportunity closing date:
16 October 2026
Opportunity type:
2-year full-time contract
About the post
The EELC seeks to appoint a Candidate Attorney who is passionate about social justice, education, and the law. This is a 2‑year full‑time contract based in Cape Town, commencing in January 2027. The successful candidate will join our team of public interest lawyers and gain hands‑on experience in litigation, advocacy, and community lawyering within the education rights sector. As a Candidate Attorney, you will support attorneys in advancing learners’ rights through strategic litigation, legal research, and advocacy, while also engaging directly with communities and civil society partners.
This role is designed to provide rigorous training and mentorship, preparing you for a career in human rights and education law.
Key Responsibilities:
- Consult with and assist walk‑in clinic clients;
- Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, opinions, and briefs; prepare and paginate court documents; attend hearings and assist attorneys in strategic litigation;
- Liaise with counsel, partner organisations, and community members to ensure responsive legal support;
- Contribute to advocacy initiatives by drafting reports, preparing submissions on laws and legislative reform, and supporting broader policy engagement;
- Participate in outreach programmes, represent EELC in civil society forums, and strengthen ties with communities and education stakeholders;
- Provide general assistance to attorneys and contribute to the effective operation of EELC’s programmes and organisational activities.
Qualification, skills, and experience:
Essential
- An LLB degree completed by December 2026.
- A demonstrated interest in human rights work and social justice.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
- Proven analytical skills, good presentation skills, and attention to detail.
- Computer literacy and excellent legal research skills.
Advantageous
- Proficiency in other South African languages will be an advantage.
- Prior community engagement, advocacy, or volunteer experience in social justice organisations.
- Experience engaging with laws, regulations, or policy frameworks, particularly in the education sector.
How to apply
Please send the following documents to info@eelawcentre.org.za with the subject “Candidate Attorney 2027 application”.
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your involvement in and exposure to human rights, social justice and the work of the EELC, and why you believe you have the motivation, qualifications, skills and experience required for the position. Please include specific examples of any relevant personal, professional, academic or community-based involvement in the human rights and/or social justice sector.
- A detailed CV that includes the details of two (2) contactable references
Please note that we are looking for candidates who wish to pursue a career in social justice, rather than just securing articles.
Individuals from previously and currently disadvantaged groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you have not been contacted by 30 November 2026, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful.
BOARD TREASURER
About the EELC
The Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) is a Cape Town-based public interest law organization and registered law clinic. Our team of social justice lawyers works to advance the right to equitable, safe, and quality basic education for all learners in South Africa. We pursue this through public interest litigation, legal research and advocacy, legislative engagement, and community lawyering.
The organisation is governed by a Board of Trustees, which provides strategic direction, oversight and accountability and ensures that EELC remains true to its public interest mandate while maintaining strong organisational, financial and legal governance. The Board works closely with the Executive Director and senior management but maintains a clear distinction between governance and day-to-day operational management.
The EELC seeks to fill the following vacancy: Board Treasurer
The opportunity
The treasurer is a key member of the board, providing strategic financial oversight and supporting sound financial governance.
This is a governance, not operational, role. Working with the executive director, head of support services, audit committee and external auditors, the treasurer helps ensure EELC’s financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of resources.
This is a voluntary, non-remunerated Board position. Board members serve on a voluntary basis and are not paid for their Board or committee responsibilities. Reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out Board responsibilities may be reimbursed.
Key responsibilities
Financial governance & board oversight
- Provide strategic oversight of financial management and long-term sustainability.
- Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies and governance systems are in place.
- Monitor financial performance, risks and organisational financial health.
- Support the board in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities.
- Present and interpret financial reports and advise on the financial implications of strategic decisions.
Budgeting, compliance & risk
- Review and recommend the annual budget for board approval.
- Monitor performance against budget and support long-term financial planning.
- Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory financial obligations.
- Oversee the annual audit process and review annual financial statements.
- Monitor financial risks and recommend mitigation measures.
Audit committee & management support
- Chair the audit committee and guide discussions on reserves, investments and financial sustainability.
- Recommend financial policies where necessary.
- Provide guidance to management while maintaining a clear distinction between governance and operations.
Skills and experience
Essential
- Qualification in accounting, finance, economics, commerce or a related field.
- Senior financial leadership and audit experience.
- Strong understanding of non-profit financial governance.
- Experience interpreting financial statements, budgeting, financial planning and risk management.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
Desirable
- CA(SA), Registered Auditor, CFA, MBA or equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of South African non-profit governance and compliance requirements.
- Passion for education, constitutional rights and social justice.
Time commitment
- Approximately three board meetings per year.
- Four audit committee meetings annually.
- Participation in annual budgeting and audit processes.
- Occasional consultation with management and Board between meetings.
How to apply
Please send the following documents to info@eelawcentre.org.za with the subject “EELC Treasurer”.
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your involvement in and exposure to human rights, social justice and the work of the EELC, and why you believe you have the motivation, qualifications, skills and experience required for the position.
- A detailed CV that includes the details of two (2) contactable references
Individuals from previously and currently disadvantaged groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you have not been contacted by 30 November 2026, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful.
