Does law have job opportunities in South Africa?
Asked by: Sigrid Miller Sr. | Last update: May 26, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (30 votes)
You can pursue various careers in law in South Africa as an attorney, advocate, or judge. Specialisations like Corporate Law, Environmental Law, and Intellectual Property Law also offer diverse opportunities.
Is law a career in demand in South Africa?
Is law a good career choice for the future in South Africa? Yes, the legal industry in South Africa is highly competitive, with growing demand across various sectors, such as private practice, corporate firms, and government agencies.
Are lawyers well paid in South Africa?
Mid-level lawyers, such as associates, earn between R650,000 to R850,000 per year, while senior associates earn R850,000 to R1,400,000 annually.
Is it worth it to become a lawyer in South Africa?
Legal career options in South Africa
Choosing law as a career can be rewarding and exciting but it also requires hard work, dedication and a high level of commitment. Attorneys brief advocates if the matter is referred to court and is not able to be settled on the papers.
Can foreign lawyers work in South Africa?
Practising in South Africa
Foreign lawyers can establish under home title. This is the title granted to you by your home jurisdiction: for example, a solicitor of England and Wales. Foreign lawyers can practise home and international law.
Child Maintenance in South Africa - A lawyer answers the burning questions
Is there a shortage of lawyers in South Africa?
Current Demand for Lawyers in South Africa
The demand for lawyers in South Africa is reflected in various statistics. As of January 2022, there were approximately 29,981 practising attorneys and 5,483 candidate attorneys in South Africa. However, this demand can be shaped by societal and economic factors.
Can I get a job in South Africa as a foreigner?
Ensure you qualify for a work visa: Obtaining a work visa is a requirement if you want to live and work in South Africa. You can visit the official South African Government website for the latest information about applying for a visa and work permit as a foreigner.
How many years does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa?
How 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.
What type of law is most in demand?
Some of the most universally in-demand legal specialties include intellectual property law, family law, immigration law, real estate law, and corporate law.
Is law school expensive in South Africa?
South African Law School Fees
For domestic LLB students in South Africa, tuition fees can range from approximately R20,000 to R80,000 or more per year.
What is the highest paying job in South Africa?
- Neurosurgeon – R3 million to R5 million.
- Cardiothoracic surgeon – R2. ...
- Ship captain (Deep sea/Specialised cargo) – R2 million to R3. ...
- Actuary (with experience) – R1. ...
- Mining engineer (deep level) – R1. ...
- Legal partner (corporate law) – R1.
Where can lawyers work in South Africa?
- The Superior Courts.
- The Lower Courts.
- The Solicitor-General.
- The State Attorney.
- The National Prosecuting Authority.
How much do candidate attorneys make in South Africa per month?
Frequently asked questions about Candidate Attorney salaries
The highest salary for a Candidate Attorney in South Africa is ZAR 18,500 per month. The lowest salary for a Candidate Attorney in South Africa is ZAR 8,500 per month.
What is the most wanted job in South Africa?
The top careers in South Africa for 2024 include Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Medical Services, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sciences, Finance and Financial Technology (FinTech), Education and E-Learning, Engineering and Construction, Marketing and Digital Marketing, and Logistics ...
Which field of law pays the most in South Africa?
The highest paying fields of law in South Africa typically include corporate law, intellectual property law, and mergers and acquisitions. These areas often involve complex legal issues and high-value transactions, contributing to higher salaries.
What degree is highest in demand?
- Nursing. ...
- Software Development. ...
- Computer Science & Information Technology. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Finance. ...
- Marketing. Number of projected job openings: 96,000. ...
- Human Resources. Number of projected job openings: 73,400. ...
- Engineering. Number of projected job openings: 68,500.
Which country pays lawyers the most?
The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.
How hard is the bar exam?
The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.
Which field of law is in demand in South Africa?
In its annual salary survey for 2022, specialist professional recruitment firm Robert Walters revealed the most in demand legal jobs in South Africa were general counsels in the financial services, commercial and industrial sectors. Lawyer salaries depend on years of experience and can range from R400,000 to R3.
Can a foreigner become a lawyer in South Africa?
See 'Becoming a legal practitioner'. Further requirements with regard to admission are provided in the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014. A person must be a South African citizen or permanent resident and be otherwise fit and proper in the opinion of the court to be admitted as a legal practitioner.
How much do beginner lawyers earn in South Africa?
The average lawyer salary in South Africa is R 360 000 per year or R 185 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 156 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 2 352 000 per year.
Which law degree is the best in South Africa?
LLD Law. The University of Pretoria Faculty of Law is the highest ranked law faculty in Africa and in South Africa - according to the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Why is it so hard to find a job in South Africa?
Job seekers face fierce competition due to the large pool of unemployed individuals, especially among the country's young people. In fact, youth unemployment in South Africa is particularly concerning, with rates around 45.5% in the third quarter of 2024.
Where do most foreigners live in South Africa?
The most settled cities in South Africa by expats are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. Each city has its charms and quirks, and each has a certain thing people chase when moving there.
Which careers are not in demand in South Africa?
Knowing which fields are shrinking is essential if you are planning your career. According to News 2024, some careers no longer in demand in South Africa include bank tellers, telemarketers, insurance brokers, dispatch managers, and travel consultants.