SmartStart is a social franchise working to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to quality early learning. Our Legal function supports the organisation's contracts, compliance, and regulatory obligations, and plays a critical role in keeping SmartStart's operations well-governed and protected.
We are looking for a Legal Intern to support the Legal Manager with contract administration, document management, and general legal and compliance tasks. This is a structured, practical internship designed to give you real exposure to legal work in a mission-driven organisation, while helping the Legal team run more efficiently.
You will assist with drafting, organising, and tracking legal documentation; support POPIA-related administration; help maintain contract registers and filing systems; and provide general administrative and research support to the Legal function.
This is a paid, 12-month fixed-term internship based in Johannesburg on a hybrid working arrangement.
Requirements
- Currently studying towards or have completed a Higher Certificate, diploma or degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Good written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and professional documents and correspondence.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Basic understanding of contracts and legal documents, with a willingness to develop this knowledge further.
- Comfort with document management, filing systems, and working with templates and registers.
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Proactive and reliable, able to manage tasks independently and follow through on deadlines.
- Professional, discreet, and able to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Genuine interest in legal and compliance work and alignment with SmartStart's mission.
- Prior exposure to contracts, legal documentation, or policy administration is advantageous, even at the entry level.
Skills Required
- Currently studying towards or have completed a Higher Certificate, diploma or degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Law, Business Administration, or a related field
- Good written communication skills, ability to draft clear and professional documents and correspondence
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Basic understanding of contracts and legal documents, with a willingness to develop this knowledge further
- Comfort with document management, filing systems, and working with templates and registers
- Highly organised and detail-oriented
- Proactive and reliable, able to manage tasks independently and follow through on deadlines
- Professional, discreet, and able to maintain strict confidentiality
- Genuine interest in legal and compliance work and alignment with SmartStart's mission
- Prior exposure to contracts, legal documentation, or policy administration
What We Do
Smart Start is a leading provider of alcohol monitoring technology, specializing in ignition interlock devices and portable breath-test devices. The company offers integrated services including manufacturing, installation, servicing, monitoring, and reporting to prevent intoxicated drivers from operating vehicles.
