Table of Contents
- Requirements to be admitted as an Attorney in South Africa
- Becoming a Lawyer in South Africa as a Foreigner
- Does an LLB Make you a Lawyer?
- Salary of Lawyers in South Africa
- Interests, Abilities and Skills Needed to Become a Lawyer
- Recommended Subjects for Lawyers
- Where to Study and Duration of Study for a Lawyer
Requirements to be admitted as an Attorney in South Africa
In order to become an attorney in South Africa, applicants must first gain admission to the Bar as an advocate of South Africa. This requires applicants to successfully complete either a 3-year LLB or B Proc degree from a South African university that is approved by the Law Society of South Africa, or an equivalent qualification from a different country that is recognized by the Council for Legal Education. Following graduation, students must pass a 15-month pupillage programme and complete a one-year mental capacity programme in order to be eligible to be admitted as an attorney. All applicants must also apply for admission to the Bar and be successful in an oral examination and character assessment.
Becoming a Lawyer in South Africa as a Foreigner
Foreigners wishing to become attorneys in South Africa are required to hold an equivalent to a 3-year LLB or B Proc degree from a recognised university. Foreigners must also apply for admission to the Bar and be successful in an oral examination and character assessment prior to admission.
Does an LLB Make you a Lawyer?
No, an LLB does not make you a lawyer. An LLB is the minimum degree required for admission to the Bar as an advocate or attorney. Those wishing to become a lawyer must also successfully complete a 15-month pupillage programme and a one-year mental capacity programme, as well as show that they have good character and pass an oral examination.
Salary of Lawyers in South Africa
The salary of lawyers in South Africa depends on their level of experience and the type of work they do. Newly qualified lawyers typically earn between R150,000 and R250,000 per year, while experienced lawyers can earn up to R500,000 per year. Salaries also vary depending on the type of law firm they work in and the type of legal work they do.
Interests, Abilities and Skills Needed to Become a Lawyer
In order to become a lawyer, you will need to have a strong interest in the law and an analytical mind. You must also be an excellent communicator, both written and orally, and have good problem-solving and research skills. You must also have the ability to think logically and be able to interpret and apply legal principles.
Recommended Subjects for Lawyers
For those interested in pursuing a career as a lawyer, it is recommended that they take the following subjects during their university studies: constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, business law, international law, legal theory, legal research, legal practice and advocacy.
Where to Study and Duration of Study for a Lawyer
The minimum qualification required to become a lawyer in South Africa is a 3-year LLB or B Proc degree from a university approved by the Law Society of South Africa. These degrees typically take 3-4 years to complete. However, those wishing to specialize in a certain area of law may take longer to complete their studies.