2026 NFO Legal Internship – Join the National Financial Ombud Scheme

Looking for a Legal Internship in South Africa?
The National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) is inviting recently graduated law students to join its 2026 Legal Intern Programme. This is a paid, fixed‑term role based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, where you’ll work inside the Non‑Life and Banking divisions and report to the Manager of Adjudication. The internship starts in early 2026 and closes on 12 December 2025.

What the NFO Legal Intern Programme Is About

The NFO deals with complaints from everyday South Africans who feel wronged by banks and other financial service providers. As a legal intern you’ll help investigate these complaints, learn how disputes can be solved outside of court, and support the team that protects consumer rights.

This role is perfect for LLB graduates who:

• Want hands‑on legal experience
• Are curious about banking disputes and financial law
• Want to learn about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• Want to make a difference for ordinary people

How the Internship Works

You’ll start in the Adjudication Department, the part of the NFO that settles disputes. You’ll:

• Read and organize case files
• Write letters, reports, and legal notes
• Research laws and facts related to each case
• Help draft recommendations for how cases should be resolved
• Monitor that the NFO follows its own rules and ethics
• Talk to people who made complaints, giving them clear updates

The work is detailed and important, but you don’t need any previous legal job. The programme is made for fresh graduates.

What You’ll Learn

1. ADR Basics – See how financial problems are solved outside courts, and how fair decisions are made.
2. Casework – Get comfortable with paperwork, evidence review, and drafting legal documents.
3. Risk and Governance – Learn how an organization keeps itself honest and safe.
4. Consumer Communication – Practice speaking politely and clearly with people who have complaints.

By the end of the internship you’ll be good at writing legal documents, researching case law, and helping settle disputes. Those skills can help you in many future careers such as litigation, compliance, banking law or corporate law.

Who Should Apply

To be considered you should:

• Hold a completed LLB degree
• Be interested in the financial sector, consumer rights or dispute resolution
• Be good at research, writing and thinking critically
• Be ready to work in an environment where attention to detail matters
• Share the NFO’s values: being effective, independent, accessible, efficient, open, and focused on customers

No prior work experience is required. The internship is open to all South African unemployed law graduates.

How to Apply

1. Send an email to careers@nfosa.co.za.
2. Put the subject line: Application: Legal Intern 2026.
3. Attach the following documents:
   • Updated CV
   • Certified copy of your LLB degree and any other qualifications
   • Academic transcripts
   • Certified copy of your ID
   • Anything else you think will help (e.g., a motivation letter or certificates)

All applications will be reviewed until 12 December 2025. If you are shortlisted, the NFO will contact you directly. If you do not hear back after a reasonable time, you may assume your application was not successful.

Quick Summary of the Role

Final Note

If you’re a fresh law graduate who wants to see real legal work in action and help protect everyday consumers, this internship could be a great start to your career. Apply before the deadline and take your first step into the world of consumer protection and financial justice.