how to become an environmental lawyer in south africa

How To Become An Environmental Lawyer In South Africa.

• Degree Level. Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Licensure. All states require licensure for lawyers.
• Key Skills. Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, negotiation, research, and writing skills.
• Salary. R 2146202.95 (2019 average for all lawyers)
• Employment Projections. 4% growth (for all lawyers 2019-2029)

Full Answer

How do I become an environmental lawyer?

Environmental lawyers play a significant role in developing environmental policy to create awareness on various environmental issues. In order to become an environmental lawyer, there are necessary requirements and qualifications you need before representing clients in court cases on environmental topics such as renewable energy or water pollution.

What does a senior environmental lawyer do?

Senior Environmental lawyers often have additional responsibilities that include case management and collaboration. Such responsibilities often include the following: Promote positive work group systems for a challenging work environment Assist criminal, civil and environmental investigators where infractions are suspected

What is the job demand for environmental lawyers like?

The job demand for lawyers is projected to increase by 9 percent between 2020 and 2030. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious the market for environmental lawyers grows and will continue to do so. Use the search box below to find all the environmental law job listings in our job board.

How do I become an advocate in South Africa?

If you wish to become an advocate in South Africa you must apply to the High Court after one year's pupillage under another advocate, after this you will then be called to the Bar. The General Council of the Bar is the association of all the local Bar Councils in South Africa who operate the individual Bar Examinations.

How much do environmental lawyers make in South Africa?

The salary range is R389 933 to R458 745 (total cost to company) and the salary offered will be dependent on factors that include the qualifications, level of expertise and experience of the successful candidate.

How do you pursue career as environmental law?

Candidates who aspire to pursue a career in environmental law seek admission to the best colleges offering the course every year. Among all the programmes of Environmental Law, the most common and in-demand course is LLM in Environmental Law.

What subjects do you need to study environmental law?

Environmental law principles and norms.Environmental governance.Environmental impact assessment.Administrative justice and access to information.Climate change law.Mining law.Biodiversity and protected areas law.Air quality.More items...

How long does it take to study environmental law?

Duration The duration of the programme will in general be four semesters (2 years) but may be completed within two semesters (1 year) where possible, subject to fulfilment of all the requirements for the degree and payment of the full amount prescribed for the LLM degree.

Is environmental law a good career?

Environmental law can be an excellent career, especially for those who have prior experience in a regulated industry, regulatory body or advocacy group.

What exactly does an environmental lawyer do?

An environmental lawyer works to represent clients in legal issues such as in clean technology, water law, climate change law and the management of land subject to native title and other public land. Environment laws are a large and complex specialty within the practice of law.

Where can I study environmental law in South Africa?

LLM Programs in Environmental Law / Energy Law / Resources Law - South AfricaUniversity of Cape Town (UCT) - The School for Advanced Legal Studies. ... University of Western Cape. ... University of Pretoria. ... University of KwaZulu-Natal - Howard College Campus. ... University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) - Pietermaritzburg Campus.More items...

Where can I study environmental management in South Africa?

11 Environmental Management Bachelor's in South AfricaB.A. Development Studies (Honours) Faculty of Humanities. Johannesburg, South Africa.B.Sc. Environmental Science. University of Kwazulu Natal. ... Bachelor. Environmental Health. Faculty of Applied Sciences. ... B.Sc. Wildlife Management (Hons) Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Is environmental science a biology?

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physics, biology, and geography (including ecology, chemistry, plant science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology and physical geography, and atmospheric science) to the study of the environment, and the ...

Is environmental law in demand in South Africa?

What Is the Outlook for an Environmental Law Career? The projected growth for employment for all types of lawyers from 2019 to 2029 is anticipated to be four percent, which is the average for all occupations.

What does an environmental lawyer earn?

Environmental Lawyers Average Salary An environmental lawyer's average salary is about $148,910 per year. The salary can vary based on specialty, location, experience, and level of education.

Where do environmental lawyers make the most money?

San FranciscoEnvironmental Lawyers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $270,894, averaging total compensation 49% greater than the US average.

What Does An Environmental Lawyer do?

An environmental lawyer works to represent clients in legal issues such as in clean technology, water law, climate change law and the management of...

Where Does An Environmental Lawyer Work?

Depending on where an Environmental Lawyer works, the day to day duties of an Environmental Lawyer include meeting with clients, researching enviro...

What Is The Average Environmental Lawyer Salary?

The median salary range for an Environmental Lawyer is $113,530 per year or $54.58 per hour. Employment for Environmental Lawyers is growing at a r...

Environmental Lawyer Jobs & Job Description

1. Analyze and interpret data obtained from literature reviews, case law, criminal, civil and regulatory research, and sample findings 2. Interview...

What Degree Do I Need to Apply to Environmental Law Schools?

To practice as an Environmental Lawyer you will need to obtain a law degree commonly known as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD). The...

What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Environmental Lawyers have?

1. The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is the professional organization for environmental lawyers globally. ELI's visions is for a “healthy envir...

What is an environmental lawyer?

An environmental lawyer is a professional who provides legal guidance to their clients about various environmental topics and issues, such as climate change, poor air and water quality, sustainability and waste management. Environmental lawyers provide counsel to their clients in court by compiling evidence and suggesting strategies to save energy.

Work environment for an environmental lawyer

Environmental lawyers typically work within law firms, private practices or government agencies. They may work in office environments to collaborate with other environmental lawyers and work alongside legal assistants and paralegals to prepare for cases. Environmental lawyers also spend much of their time in court when representing their clients.

Salary and job outlook for environmental lawyers

While there isn't a salary available specifically for an environmental lawyer, attorneys in the United States report making an average of $95,196 per year, although this can vary depending on your experience and the state where you practice.

How much does an environmental lawyer make?

What Is the Average Environmental Lawyer Salary? The median salary range for an Environmental Lawyer is $113,530 per year or $54.58 per hour. Employment for Environmental Lawyers is growing at a rate that is equivalent to the average growth for all occupations.

Why is it important to be an environmental lawyer?

It is important to be a good advocate as an Environmental Lawyer spends a significant amount of time in Court. Environmental Lawyers tend to work long hours and are required to be flexible depending on the demands of certain cases. As a lot of Environmental Lawyers work within government, cities with a large number of government agencies are ...

What is the purpose of environmental law?

The purpose of an Environmental Lawyer is to work with environmental case law and legislation to represent various environmental interests. Environmental laws regulate and define the activities of humans upon the geological and biological systems that are affected by contact. Issues such as ecology, sustainability, responsibility, ...

Why is environmental law important?

This is an important career because it can be used to protect the environment through legal avenues. Environmental Lawyers work within private firms, government, and academia. Environmental Lawyers work primarily in an office environment but also regularly represent clients in court and engage in teaching at universities. ...

How long does it take to become an attorney in South Africa?

It takes at least seven years to become an attorney and an additional year to become an advocate. Only some foreign-trained lawyers are able to avoid repeating their LLBs at a South African law school – as usually a South African qualification is necessary.

What countries are approved for LLB in South Africa?

The designated countries approved in South Africa currently are Swaziland, Namibia, Lesotho and the former Bophuthatswana, Venda, Transkei, and Ciskei states . If you have an LLB from any other country, then you need to approach a South African law school for assessment of your law degree as credit towards a South African one.

How long does it take to get an attorney's license?

Once you have completed at least six months of your articles of clerkship, then you can take the Attorney's Admission Examination. This has four parts; Practice and Procedure, Wills and Estates, Attorneys’ Practice, Contracts and Rules of Conduct, and Legal Bookkeeping.

How long is the legal practice course?

It can be shortened to one year if the student completes the full-time course at the School for Legal Practice for a period of approximately six months. Otherwise, this course is attended on a part-time basis for a shorter period of time of around five months.

How long does it take to become an article of clerk?

This training period is conducted in a law firm and is generally two years in length.

Can you take law lessons from a reputable teacher?

There are unofficial lessons available from some law lecturers, and if you are recommended one and are feeling weak in an area of the exam, then taking the lessons from a reputable teacher is a great way to grow your confidence.

What is the first step to becoming an attorney in South Africa?

So, if you want to become an attorney in South Africa, the first step is to complete your LLB.

How long does it take to become an attorney in South Africa?

Additionally, it will take you up to seven years to become an attorney in South Africa (plus one more year to become an advocate). If you are a foreign-trained lawyer that desired practising in South ...

1. Passing matric with the right marks

To be able to pass to the next step in becoming an attorney, you have to pass matric with the right subjects. To be admitted to UP’s Undergraduate LLB programme, you need an APS of at least 32. You will also have to pass English home language or first additional language with 60-69%.

2. Studying LLB

Doing your LLB degree at any South African university that allows you to study LLB can be done right after passing matric and meeting the admission requirements of the university.

3. Doing vacation work at a registered law firm

Most law firms offer vacation work to aspiring attorneys in South Africa. However, most law firms only offer vacation work to 3rd and 4th year students.

4. Doing your law articles

Doing your law articles takes 2 years of working as a candidate attorney. This has to be done at a registered law firm in South Africa. During this time you will work under the supervision of a registered attorney.

5. Preparing for the Board exams

Completing the board exams is the next step in being admitted as an attorney. You may start to prepare for these exams while you are still a candidate attorney.

7. Attorney admission

Attorney admission is the final step of becoming an attorney in South Africa. First complete your articles with a registered law firm and pass your board exams. Then you may apply to court to be admitted as an attorney.

8. Celebration

The process of becoming an attorney in South Africa takes at least 6 years. 4 Years of studying and 2 years of articles and writing the admission exams. That is a long time of working hard with late nights and early mornings.