How To Be An Attorney In South Africa?

Table of Contents

• Qualification Requirements to Become a Lawyer in South Africa
• Becoming a Lawyer as a Foreigner in South Africa
• Income of Lawyers in South Africa
• Does an LLB Make You a Lawyer?
• Recommended Subjects for Lawyers
• What to Study to Become a Lawyer

Qualification Requirements to Become a Lawyer in South Africa

In order to become an attorney in South Africa, you need to complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an accredited South African university, followed by a two-year training period, known as Articles of Clerkship. After successful completion of the Articles of Clerkship, you must register with the relevant provincial body and take an Advocate’s Admission Examination. Once you have passed the Advocate’s Admission Examination, you are qualified to practice as an Attorney in South Africa.

In total, it takes approximately five years to become a lawyer in South Africa. This includes three years of studying for a LLB degree, followed by two years of Articles of Clerkship.

Becoming a Lawyer as a Foreigner in South Africa

Foreign applicants who wish to practice as an attorney in South Africa must complete the same qualifications as South African citizens. This includes completing a LLB degree from an accredited South African university, followed by two years of Articles of Clerkship and passing the Advocate’s Admission Examination. After this, the applicant must register with the relevant provincial body to practice as an attorney.

Alternatively, applicants may apply to practice as an attorney through the High Court. This is a process which requires an extensive amount of paperwork, including evidence of qualifications and experience in a foreign country. The applicant must also demonstrate their knowledge of South African law, and present the High Court with an affidavit of support from an established South African attorney.

Income of Lawyers in South Africa

The average income of lawyers in South Africa varies depending on the type of law they practice, as well as their experience. Generally speaking, lawyers in South Africa can expect to earn a salary ranging from R35 000 to R150 000 per month. Additionally, lawyers in private practice can expect to earn more money than those working in public law.

Does an LLB Make You a Lawyer?

No, an LLB is only the first step towards becoming a lawyer in South Africa. After completing a LLB, you must complete two years of Articles of Clerkship and pass the Advocate’s Admission Examination in order to practice as a lawyer in South Africa.

Recommended Subjects for Lawyers

In order to become a lawyer in South Africa, you must complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. The LLB degree consists of various legal subjects, such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Contract Law, Property Law, and Tax Law. Additionally, you should also consider taking courses in Business Law, Commercial Law, and International Law, as these are also helpful when practicing law in South Africa.

What to Study to Become a Lawyer

In order to become a lawyer in South Africa, you must complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an accredited South African university. The LLB degree consists of various legal subjects, such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Contract Law, Property Law, and Tax Law. Additionally, you should also consider taking courses in Business Law, Commercial Law, and International Law, as these are also helpful when practicing law in South Africa.

Once you have completed the LLB degree, you must complete two years of Articles of Clerkship in order to qualify as a lawyer in South Africa. The Articles of Clerkship is a two-year training programme which is divided into four six-month periods. During each period, you will be required to work under the supervision of an experienced practising