National Financial Ombud Scheme invites suitable applicants to apply for its Legal Intern vacancies.
Applications close on 12 December 2025.
What Is This Internship About?
South Africa needs fresh legal talent that cares about fairness and protects people from bad deals in banking and insurance.
If you just finished your LLB and want to see how law works in the real world, learn about alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and help ordinary South Africans, the NFO Legal Intern Program 2026 is the right choice.
This internship is for new graduates who want to grow, learn, and make a real difference in consumer rights and financial fairness.
Quick Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | NFO Legal Intern 2026 |
| Employer | National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) |
| Role | Legal Intern |
| Base | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Departments | Non‑Life Division / Banking Division |
| Contract | Fixed‑term |
| Supervisor | Manager, Adjudication |
| Minimum Education | LLB degree completed |
| Experience | None required – fresh graduates welcome |
| Deadline | 12 December 2025 |
| Apply to | careers@nfosa.co.za |
| Reference | “Legal Intern 2026” |
About the National Financial Ombud Scheme
The NFO is South Africa’s watchdog for financial services. It protects consumers, solves disputes, and ensures that banks, insurers, and other finance companies treat people fairly.
What makes the NFO special?
- Independent – it solves complaints without bias.
- Free and easy – anyone can use its services.
- Open – everything is clear and transparent.
- Customer‑focused – puts people’s rights first.
- Fast – delivers solid solutions quickly.
Because many law firms want graduates who already have a lot of experience, the NFO internship is a great way to jump straight into real work.
What You’ll Do
As a Legal Intern in the Adjudication Department, you’ll help solve complaints between financial providers and customers. Here’s what you’ll learn and do:
- ADR Skills – see how disputes get solved outside of courts.
- Real Cases – help with:
- Writing case notes and letters
- Looking at evidence and documents
- Drafting case reviews and recommendations
- Legal Writing – sharpen your ability to write clear, professional documents.
- Consumer Protection – your work will directly help people get fair treatment.
Key Areas of Work
| # | Focus | What You’ll Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corporate Governance & Risk | Check that rules are followed and help spot risks. |
| 2 | Case Support | Keep records tidy and update the case tracking system. |
| 3 | Dispute Resolution | Research cases, draft legal arguments, and help make decisions. |
| 4 | Consumer Communication | Talk to complainants politely and give them updates. |
Who Should Apply?
- Recent LLB graduates – you don’t need prior legal work.
- You’re enthusiastic about helping people – consumer protection is a big part of the job.
- You’re ready to learn – this internship gives you hands‑on practice.
- You share the NFO values: effectiveness, independence, accessibility, efficiency, openness, and customer‑centricity.
How to Apply
- Email your application to careers@nfosa.co.za.
- Subject line: Application: Legal Intern 2026.
- Attach the following:
- Updated CV
- Certified copies of your LLB diploma and transcripts
- A copy of your ID
- Any other supporting documents
Send everything before 12 December 2025. The application window is competitive, so don’t wait till the last minute.
After the Internship
When you finish, you’ll have a strong résumé for many roles:
- ADR Specialist
- Legal Advisor in finance
- Compliance Officer
- Risk Analyst
- Consumer Protection Lawyer
- Adjudicator or Ombud Investigator
- Corporate Governance Consultant
- Banking or Insurance Legal Consultant
Any company in finance, insurance, or regulation will value this experience.
Quick Tips Before You Apply
- Show your excitement for protecting consumers.
- Highlight your research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Keep your CV clean and professional.
- Include a short paragraph in your email explaining why you’re interested in this internship.
- Mention the NFO values in your application.
- Apply early – the deadline is close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior legal experience required?
No. The program welcomes fresh graduates.Why is this internship useful?
You’ll work on real cases, gaining hands‑on experience and a deep understanding of dispute resolution.Do interns get paid?
The posting doesn’t specify a salary, but NFO internships usually include a stipend.Can someone who graduated a few years ago apply?
Yes, as long as you hold an LLB.What work will I do?
Legal writing, case documentation, research, consumer communication, and ADR support.Do I need to live in Johannesburg?
The role is based in Johannesburg, so you may need to move.Will I get mentorship?
Yes – you’ll work under experienced adjudicators and senior lawyers.Can foreigners apply?
Only South African citizens are eligible.Is this a permanent job?
No, it’s a fixed‑term internship.Will this internship improve my job prospects?
Absolutely – experience in ADR, regulation, and consumer protection is highly valued.
Closing Date: 12 December 2025
Good luck with your application!
