where to study to become a lawyer in south africa

The degree must be obtained from an accredited South African law school at one of the various universities or colleges in South Africa. The LLB

degree usually takes four years to complete and the BCom plus LLB degrees five years.

Full Answer

How do I become a lawyer in South Africa?

In South Africa, proficiency in the English language is extremely important as students are required to study a multitude of technical legal books and hundreds of cases in English. The standard requirement before one can practice as a lawyer is completing an LLB degree which takes 4 years.

Where can I study law in South Africa?

Where can you study law in SA? Most public universities offer law degrees and bachelors. They Universities offering Law studies are listed below: University of Cape Town; University of Venda; University of the Witwatersrand; University of Johannesburg; University of Pretoria; Stellenbosch University; Rhodes University; University of KwaZulu-Natal

What can you do with a a level law degree in SA?

A law degree opens up a lucrative and well-respected career in South Africa. After completing the relatively challenging and interesting journey at law school, prominent lawyers can expect to work at one of these top five law firms: Situated in Johannesburg and Cape Town and is considered one of the top five law firms in South Africa.

What are the different types of lawyers in South Africa?

There are two kinds of lawyers in South Africa, attorneys and advocates. Attorney works in law firms, write contracts and meet with clients, while advocate are the ones that wear a robe and stand up to argue in front of a judge.

Where you would study to qualify to be a lawyer in South Africa?

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers a Law qualification which they say will equip you for entry into the legal profession – in the private or public sector, as an attorney or an advocate, as a legal adviser or a legal academic, or possibly, in time, as a magistrate or a judge.

How many years do you study to become a lawyer in South Africa?

4 yearsHow long does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa? It takes at least 4 years to become a lawyer in South Africa. However, if you would like to become an attorney, you will need to complete a 4 year LLB degree and 2 years of articles for a total of at least 6 years.

Where should I study to become a lawyer?

Top 5 US Law Schools for Employment OpportunitiesUS Law SchoolsLocationPercentage of students that go to a big law firm after graduationColumbia UniversityNew York City, New York57.07%University of ChicagoChicago, Illinois48.54%Northwestern UniversityEvanston, Illinois47.58%Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York47.54%1 more row•Jul 13, 2021

Which University in South Africa is best for law?

Top Law Universities in South AfricaUniversity of Pretoria. Law Program Link. Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Laws, Masters, and Doctor of Laws. ... University of Cape Town. Law Program Link. ... Stellenbosch University. Law Program Link. ... University of Venda. Law Program Link. ... Rhodes University. Law Program Link.

Which university is best for law?

Here are the best law schoolsYale University.Stanford University.University of Chicago.Columbia University.Harvard University.University of Pennsylvania (Carey)New York University.University of Virginia.More items...

What subjects are needed to become a lawyer in Grade 12?

Required High School SubjectsEnglish. In law school, you will be required to read a lot of case law, academic articles and textbooks. ... Math v Math Literacy. Law school is about reading, reading and more reading. ... History. ... Business Studies, Accounting, Economics. ... A third language. ... Drama. ... Physical Science and Biology.

Which college offers law in South Africa?

Law schoolsInstitutionLaw schoolLocationUniversity of PretoriaFaculty of LawPretoriaRhodes UniversityFaculty of LawGrahamstownUniversity of South AfricaCollege of LawDistance educationUniversity of StellenboschFaculty of LawStellenbosch14 more rows

How many years does it take to study law at Unisa?

The minimum duration is 4 years.

How can I study law in South Africa?

Education Requirement You have to hit the books to become a lawyer in South Africa. As stipulated in the country's Attorneys Act of 1979, you must complete a four-year bachelor's program to earn the required LLB degree. The degree must be earned at an accredited law school in South Africa.

What subjects do I need to study law?

There aren't any specific subjects required to study law but history will come as an advantage, as there is a focus on the history in certain law modules. The minimum requirement to study law is a NQF level 4 certificate, which is a National Senior Certificate or a Senior Certificate.

What type of law pays the most?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

Is the South African Law School funded by Nsfas?

NSFAS funds all 26 South African universities and 50 public TVET colleges. They also fund a wide variety of degrees and courses. Do they fund anything law related though? Yes they do, NSFAS funds law courses at all the universities that have law faculties.

How many years does it take to study law at Unisa?

The minimum duration is 4 years.

How many years do you have to study to be a lawyer?

seven yearsBecoming a lawyer usually takes seven years. Aspiring lawyers need four years of study at university to earn an undergraduate degree and an additional three years of law school. Six to 12 months of on-the-job training while shadowing an established attorney is typically part of the process as well.

How much does it cost to study law in South Africa 2021?

UP tuition for first-year MBChB ranges between R64 00 and R 74 000 while an LLB costs between R 45 000 and 54 000.

How much are lawyers paid in South Africa?

Find out what the average Lawyer salary is The average lawyer salary in South Africa is R 720 006 per year or R 369 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 270 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 7 560 000 per year.

How to become an attorney in South Africa?

There are various methods to obtain the practical qualification to be admitted as an attorney in South Africa. An applicant must complete at least:#N#1 . Two years under a contract of articles (service at a private law firm or state attorney) or a service contract ( community service at a legal aid institution) after having satisfied the requirements for an LLB degree of a South African university; or#N#2. Two years under a contract of articles or service contract after having satisfied all the requirements for a degree of a university in a country designated by the Minister and certified by a South African university as being equivalent or superior to the South African LLB degree (currently the former ‘TBVC’ states, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe); or#N#3. One year under a contract of articles or service contract if the person has satisfied all the requirements for a South African LLB degree or a degree of a university in a country designated by the Minister and has attended the full-time School for Legal Practice for a period of approximately six months; or#N#4. Three years under a contract of articles or service contract if the applicant:#N#– has completed a degree that does not meet the requirements of a South African LLB degree; or#N#– if the applicant has completed a degree that does not meet the requirements of a South African LLB degree at a university in a country designated by the Minister, which degree has been certified by a university in South Africa; or#N#– if the applicant has obtained a matric certificate and has served continuously for a period of at least two years as a clerk to any judge of the High Court, provided that the applicant enters into articles of clerkship within a period of one year after completing such; or#N#5. Five years if the applicant does not have a degree, but at least has a matric certificate with full university exemption.

What are the requirements to become an attorney in South Africa?

This requirement refers mainly to the moral integrity of a person, his characteristics and particularly honesty, which is considered to be an important prerequisite for practising as an attorney.#N#A person must be older than 21 years and a South African citizen; or be legally entitled to permanent residence in the Republic and be ordinarily resident in the Republic ; or be a citizen of a state which formerly formed part of the Republic and belongs to a category of persons and has complied with certain conditions, as determined by the Minister from time to time (currently being the former ‘TBVC’ states, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe).#N#Source: h ttp://www.lssa.org.za/

What is the LLB degree?

The LLB degree (the course duration of which is not less than four years) or BProc degree (obtained on or before 31 December 2004), obtained at any university in the Republic, is the required academic qualification. There are exceptions, namely: – If the person has previously been admitted as an advocate in South Africa.

What are the admission requirements for attorneys in South Africa?

The admission requirements for attorneys in South Africa are currently prescribed by the Attorneys Act, 1979 and the Rules promulgated in terms of the Act. These are an academic qualification, service under articles of clerkship or service contract, compulsory practical legal training and personal fitness. All these have to be complied with ...

How long is appropriate legal practice?

Appropriate legal practice. A person may be exempted from articles on condition that appropriate legal experience for at least five years, to the satisfaction of the provincial Law Society concerned, has been undergone. The Minister has determined categories of appropriate legal practice in consultation with the profession.

What are the exceptions to the LLB?

There are exceptions, namely: – If the person has completed a degree of the same status as the South African LLB degree at a university in a country designated by the Minister , which degree has been certified by a university in South Africa and the person has completed a supplementary examination (if required); ...

What is a law degree in South Africa?

A law degree is the first step into one of the oldest and most prestigious professions in the world. South Africa has several accredited law schools that offer a gateway into this exciting career.

Which is the best university to study law in South Africa?

Rhodes University. Located in the Eastern Cape Province, this is another great university to study law. It sits at position 7 in South Africa according to QS World Rankings by subject. This university has one of the best undergraduate and graduation rates.

What is the University of Pretoria?

University of Pretoria (UP) Founded in 1908 in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, the University of Pretoria is one of the oldest and largest South African Universities. The law faculty offers a four-year LLB degree, for which a minimum APS of 32 and a level 5 for English is required for admission.

How to become an advocate in South Africa?

The minimum academic requirement to enter the legal profession as an advocate or attorney in South Africa is an LLB degree.

How many campuses does the University of Johannesburg have?

The university has five campuses in the vibrant cosmopolitan neighborhoods of Braamfontein and Parktown in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa and capital of the Gauteng province.

What are the best universities for law?

Most public universities offer law degrees and bachelors. They Universities offering Law studies are listed below: 1 University of Cape Town 2 University of Venda 3 University of the Witwatersrand 4 University of Johannesburg 5 University of Pretoria 6 Stellenbosch University 7 Rhodes University 8 University of KwaZulu-Natal 9 North West University 10 University of the Free State 11 University of the Western Cape 12 University of Fort Hare 13 University of Limpopo 14 Nelson Mandela University 15 IIE Varsity College 16 University of Zululand

Which is the oldest law school in the world?

Harvard University. Located in the United States and founded in 1817, Harvard Law School is the oldest law school in the United States. HLS is one of the most prestigious in the world, producing graduates that are highly sought after in the world.

What qualifications do you need to be a lawyer in South Africa?

The South African law requires that a lawyer obtain a law degree, work several years in a legal setting and pass an admissions exam. You must also be at least 21-years-old and a citizen or legal resident of South Africa.

Study options

You will need to enrol for and complete a four-year LLB degree, which is the minimum requirement. You also have the option of completing a BCom degree before the LLB degree but this is not compulsory.

Vacation work

In your pre-final year of study, or even as early as the end of your second year of study, you will need to apply direct to law firms for work experience during the July or December holidays. Most of the larger law firms in South Africa offer such work experience for a two- to three-week period.

Articles of clerkship

After successful completion of your law degree, you will need to work at a law firm as a candidate attorney under the guidance of a practising attorney before you will be allowed to practise as an attorney yourself.

Update your CV

You will need an updated CV to apply for vacation work experience and an appointment as an articled clerk. Robert Walters legal recruitment specialists can offer advice on how to make your CV stand out, as a strong CV is vital to success. Here are some quick tips:

Improve your interview skills

Interviews need not be as nerve-wracking as they are made out to be, as interview skills can be taught. A few simple guidelines can take you a long way. For tips on how to prepare for a job interview, download the Robert Walters Interview Guide.

Register your contract

Make sure your contract is registered with the law society of the province in which you are working, within two months of starting your period as an articled clerk. Also make sure that the contract is backdated to the commencement date of this period so that you do not lose the two months’ experience you have already completed.

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.

How long does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa?

The standard requirement before one can practice as a lawyer is completing an LLB degree which takes 4 years.

What do lawyers do in South Africa?

Attorney works in law firms, write contracts and meet with clients, while advocate are the ones that wear a robe and stand up to argue in front of a judge.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

The standard requirement before one can practice as a lawyer is completing an LLB degree which takes 4 years. Alternatively, some students choose to first study a BCom or BA which takes 3 years and then study another 2 years to complete their LLB. Universities such as WITS no longer offer a straight LLB but require students to first study a BCom ...

What is an advocate?

Advocates are self employed but are generally members of a “bar council” which is a body that helps to oversee and guide the profession. They are primarily experts in the art of presenting and arguing cases in court. This requires a mastery of law and the facts of the case. Good judgment and the ability to present a case clearly and coherently are an absolute must. Each case requires good preparation and organization.

What is a prosecutor?

A prosecutor is the lawyer that acts on behalf of the government against people accused of a crime. Prosecutors get exposure to a wide variety of legal situations. This provides an excellent learning experience and an interesting career.

When does a matter get handed over to an advocate?

Only once the matter proceeds to court does it get handed over to an advocate. Before then, the attorney must define the legal issues and attempt to seek alternative ways to resolve the dispute while protecting the interest of his or her client.

Can an attorney appear in court?

Like advocates, attorneys can now also appear in the higher courts. In practice however, court appearance is still usually handled by advocates. The attorney is the person with whom you first make contact when you seek legal advice. The service that he or she supplies needs to be broad enough to cover a wide field of legal problems. Only once the matter proceeds to court does it get handed over to an advocate. Before then, the attorney must define the legal issues and attempt to seek alternative ways to resolve the dispute while protecting the interest of his or her client.

How long does it take to become an attorney?

Once you have completed at least six months of your articles of clerkship, PLT course and proven to be fit to serve as an attorney, you can then take the Attorneys Admission Examination.

What do you need to prove to become an attorney?

This involves showing your moral integrity and honesty in everything you do, including your work. Also, there is an interview during the application process to the Law Society by a senior member and this is when attention is placed on issues such as previous convictions.

What do lawyers need to know about technology?

Lawyers need to know how to use technology. Whether a lawyer works in the private sector, for a government agency or even as a judge, they have to work with various software systems. Most law firms use a case management system to manage files and bill clients.

What do lawyers need to know?

Lawyers have to understand and analyze large amounts of information. They must read quickly and figure out what’s important to their case. Then, they need to effectively communicate this information in writing. Some legal specialities lean primarily on speaking, while other careers focus entirely on writing. However, all lawyers need to be able to read, write, and speak effectively.

Can a lawyer work for their clients?

Lawyers can not work effectively for their clients unless they are able to listen and comprehend what is being communicated. Cases often hinge on the details, and a lawyer must be able to pick up on those details.

What are the subjects required to study law in South Africa?

Subjects required to study law in South Africa include those with general application and those that are more specific. Subjects that are needed to become a lawyer in South Africa include Foundations of South African law, South African private law, constitutional law, criminal law, intellectual property, evidence and African Customary Law.

How old do you have to be to become a lawyer in Cape Town?

The South African law requires that a lawyer obtain a law degree, work several years in a legal setting and pass an admissions exam. You must also be at least 21-years-old and a citizen or legal resident of South Africa.

What is the exam for attorneys?

The exam tests your knowledge of legal practice and procedure, wills and estates, legal bookkeeping, and attorneys’ practice, contracts and rules of conduct. The attorneys’ admission exam is taken once you’ve completed six months of either real-world experience or attendance at a practical legal training course.

Academic Qualifications

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Service Under Articles of Clerkship Or Service Contract

Appropriate Legal Practice