The National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) South Africa is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides a free, fair, and impartial alternative dispute resolution service for complaints between consumers and financial service providers. The NFO commenced operations on 1 March 2024 and was formed by the amalgamation of four legacy ombud schemes to provide a streamlined, single-entry point for financial complaints.

The National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) is offering a 2026 Legal Internship Programme for passionate LLB graduates who want to build a career in consumer protection, financial justice and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

This internship is ideal for young legal minds who want to:

• Gain real-world legal experience
• Work on financial services and banking disputes
• Learn ADR processes and adjudication
• Play a meaningful role in protecting ordinary South African consumers

Interns will be based in the Non-Life Division and Banking Division, reporting to the Manager: Adjudication.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered, applicants must:

• Have completed an LLB degree
• Be interested in financial sector, consumer rights and dispute resolution
• Have strong research, writing and analytical skills
• Be willing to work in a high-detail, high-responsibility environment
• Align with NFO core values:
  • Effectiveness
  • Independence
  • Accessibility
  • Efficiency
  • Openness
  • Customer-centricity

No prior work experience is required – this programme is specifically designed for new graduates.

What You Will Learn and Do

As an NFO Legal Intern, you will join the Adjudication Department, where the organisation resolves complaints between financial service providers and consumers.

You will gain exposure to:

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

• Learn how financial disputes are resolved outside of court
• Understand how fair, structured decisions are made
• Observe and support adjudication processes

Casework and Legal Support

• Assist with case documentation and file management
• Draft letters, memoranda and legal correspondence
• Conduct legal and factual research on cases
• Analyse evidence and help prepare case reviews and recommendations

Corporate Governance and Risk

• Assist in monitoring compliance with internal policies and ethical standards
• Contribute to risk assessment and governance processes within NFO

Consumer Communication

• Engage professionally and empathetically with complainants
• Provide updates on case progress
• Support a consumer-focused complaints handling process

Key Performance Areas

You will support NFO across several functional areas:

• Corporate Governance & Risk
  • Support adherence to internal controls and ethical frameworks
• Case Support & Documentation
  • Maintain accurate records and case files
  • Capture and update information on internal systems
• Dispute Resolution Support
  • Assist with research, analysis and drafting of legal recommendations
  • Participate in case discussions and reviews
• Client & Consumer Interaction
  • Help ensure that consumer communication is timely, respectful and clear

This internship will significantly strengthen your legal drafting, research and dispute resolution skills – highly valuable for future roles in litigation, compliance, banking law, corporate law and regulatory environments.

Required Application Documents

When applying, include:

• Updated CV
• Certified copies of LLB degree and other qualifications
• Academic transcripts
• Certified copy of ID
• Any additional supporting documents (e.g. motivational letter, certificates)

How to Apply

• Email Address: [email protected]
• Email Subject Line: Application: Legal Intern 2026