SENIOR STATE ADVOCATE REF NO: RECRUIT 2026/325 (Re-advert) Specialised Commercial Crime Unit

This is a senior legal leadership opportunity within the National Prosecuting Authority’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit, based in Mmabatho. The role of Senior State Advocate is a re-advertised post, offered at an executive legal salary level and forming part of middle management in the region. The position is ideal for an experienced prosecutor or litigator seeking to lead the state’s response to serious, complex and organised commercial crime, including corruption and money laundering. The successful candidate will operate with significant independence and will be expected to act with professionalism, accountability and credibility, representing the State in courts across the region and beyond.

Candidates must hold an LLB degree, or any appropriate legal qualification in the case of serving prosecutors seeking promotion, and must have at least eight years of post-qualification legal experience in civil or criminal litigation. Admission as an advocate or attorney is an added advantage. The role requires a right of appearance as contemplated in section 25(2) of the NPA Act, along with a high level of proficiency in prosecuting or litigating, presenting and arguing cases in court. Demonstrated experience in guiding criminal investigations and providing legal instructions on statutory offences is essential, as are strong advocacy, legal research and drafting skills. Practical knowledge of the PFMA, MFMA and money laundering matters is expected, together with excellent computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work independently and a valid driver’s licence are also required.

The core duties involve conducting prosecutions on behalf of the State in serious, complex and organised crime cases, corruption matters and money laundering cases. The incumbent will advise the police on investigations into major commercial crime and cyber-related matters, conduct ongoing legal research, and remain current with legal developments. Responsibilities include drafting charge sheets and court documents, representing the State in all courts, preparing heads of argument and arguing appeals, presenting cases, leading witnesses, cross-examining and addressing the court on conviction and sentence. The role extends to motion proceedings, appeals and reviews, and includes managing the performance of junior advocates, mentoring and guiding their work, and providing skills transfer to lower court prosecutors and investigating officers. Additional ad hoc duties incidental to middle management services may be assigned regionally.

Applicants should note that this is a demanding post within a specialised unit, and the appointment process includes several stringent checks. Successful candidates will be subjected to a security clearance at least at confidential level, and appointment will be provisional pending that clearance. Fingerprints will be taken on the day of the interview, and the social media accounts of shortlisted applicants may be accessed as part of verification. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS-level appointees, must undergo pre-entry assessments covering practical exercise and integrity, while SMS posts will also require a lifestyle audit, a technical exercise, and potentially psychometric assessments. A pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government is required for SMS applicants in Public Service Act positions, though NPA Act appointments may be exempt. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified qualifications and relevant documents, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation. The application process itself requires the most recent Z83 form and a detailed CV, with no late submissions accepted occurs. These conditions ensure that the successful incumbent will meet the highest standards of integrity and legal competence required to protect the public interest in commercial crime prosecution.