Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to establish a panel of qualified private law firms capable of providing comprehensive legal services to the Free State Department of Health. The focus is on litigation management and medico-legal claims, ensuring effective and efficient handling of legal matters related to medical negligence and other medico-legal issues on an as-and-when basis.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Providing expert litigation support by acting as attorneys for the Department of Health.
• Advising on and defending cases against the Department, particularly in medico-legal claims and medical negligence cases such as cerebral palsy, surgical errors, and retinopathy of prematurity.
• Supporting the Department when internal capacity is insufficient or specialized expertise is required.
• Establishing and maintaining a well-resourced local office within 15 km of the Bloemfontein High Court.
• Managing cases from inception through to resolution, including handover at contract expiry if cases are ongoing.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Provision of a list of attorneys dedicated to the project, with CVs, good standing certificates from the Legal Practice Council, and fidelity fund certificates where applicable.
• Demonstration of experience in managing personal injury claims, contract law, labour law, administrative law, and medical negligence cases.
• Inclusion of a litigation strategy detailing personnel responsible, milestones, and delivery timelines.
• Provision of a list of medical experts with contact details involved in medico-legal matters in the last two years.
• Listing of relevant medico-legal cases handled in the past two years, with case numbers and outcomes.
• Establishment of a local office within 30 days of appointment, with proof of location and resources.

Skills Requirements

The skills and competencies required include:

• Legal expertise in medico-legal claims, personal injury, contract, labour, and administrative law.
• Experience in managing complex medico-legal litigation, including medical negligence cases.
• Ability to develop and implement litigation strategies and manage case milestones effectively.
• Strong communication and coordination skills to liaise with the Department, State Law Advisers, and the Office of the State Attorney.
• Capacity to establish and operate a local legal office with adequate resources and qualified personnel.
• Understanding of government empowerment objectives, including inclusion of women and previously disadvantaged groups.