Attorney - Divorce and Family Law Litigation

Martin Vermaak Attorneys is one of South Africa's larger specialist divorce and family law firms, with established offices in Sandton, Pretoria, Umhlanga and Cape Town.

We have built a recognised family law practice focused on divorce, high-conflict family law, child care and contact disputes, maintenance matters, domestic violence protection orders, relocation disputes and financial forensic investigations. Our work regularly involves the Magistrates' Courts, Children's Court, Maintenance Court, Domestic Violence Court and High Court.

Our firm is known for strong litigation strategy, clear client communication, structured internal systems and a practical, results-driven approach to emotionally complex family law matters. We act for clients who often face urgent, sensitive and high-stakes personal circumstances, and we place a premium on attorneys who can combine legal ability with confidence, discipline and sound judgement.

This is an opportunity to join a growing, ambitious and well-established family law firm with a strong brand, consistent client flow, proper operational support and a clear focus on quality legal work. The role is suited to an attorney who wants to build a serious career in divorce and family law, handle meaningful litigation, appear in court and work within a team that values excellence, accountability and client care.

Remuneration

R25,000 to R30,000 per month plus commission, depending on experience and fit.

Role description

We are seeking a full-time Admitted Attorney to join our Pretoria office.

The successful candidate must have at least 3 years' actual post-admission experience in divorce and family law. This must include practical court experience in maintenance matters, domestic violence matters, Children's Court matters and divorce-related litigation.

This is not an entry-level role. The attorney must be able to manage a busy family law caseload, consult with clients, draft pleadings and applications, prepare matters for court, negotiate settlements and appear in court where required.

The role will include

• Managing divorce and family law matters from consultation to conclusion.
• Consulting with clients and providing clear, practical and professional guidance.
• Drafting pleadings, affidavits, notices, settlement agreements, parenting plans and related court documents.
• Preparing and appearing in maintenance, domestic violence, Children's Court and divorce-related proceedings.
• Handling appearances in the High Court where required, with confidence and a willingness to take responsibility for court-based work.
• Conducting legal research and assisting with case strategy.
• Preparing matters for opposed hearings, settlement negotiations and trial where required.
• Liaising with clients, opposing attorneys, counsel, experts and court officials.
• Maintaining accurate file notes, billing records and case updates in line with firm procedures.
• Working with the firm's team to deliver a structured, responsive and professional client experience.

Minimum requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• At least 3 years' actual post-admission experience in divorce and family law.
• Proven court experience in maintenance matters, domestic violence matters and Children's Court matters.
• Experience in divorce litigation, including drafting, client consultation, settlement negotiations and court preparation.
• Confidence and willingness to appear in the High Court when required.
• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage emotionally sensitive and high-conflict matters with professionalism and control.
• Strong client relationship skills and the ability to communicate clearly and confidently.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy caseload.
• Ability to work on-site at the Pretoria office.
• Familiarity with financial disclosure, maintenance enforcement and forensic financial issues will be an advantage.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate is a confident, disciplined and client-focused family law attorney who enjoys litigation and wants to grow within a specialist divorce and family law environment.

The successful candidate must understand the emotional complexity of family law while remaining calm, strategic and professional. They must be comfortable appearing in court, managing urgent matters, working under pressure and providing clients with clear legal direction and reassurance.

This role will suit an attorney who wants to be part of a serious family law practice, who takes pride in high-quality drafting and court preparation, and who is willing to be accountable for their files, clients and professional growth.

Application process

Please email the following to Dr. Patricia Godwin, Practice Manager, at ***email_hidden*** and copy [email protected]:

1. A comprehensive CV.
2. Proof of admission as an attorney.
3. A covering letter clearly setting out your divorce and family law experience, including your court experience in maintenance, domestic violence, Children's Court, High Court and divorce matters.

Applications that do not include all three documents will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates who meet the minimum requirements may be contacted.