How do I become a criminal lawyer in South Africa?

Asked by: Dr. Abby Rosenbaum  |  Last update: November 4, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (41 votes)

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.

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

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.

How much does a criminal lawyer make in South Africa?

The salary of a criminal lawyer in South Africa on average amounts to $20,000. During the interview, an experienced criminal lawyer shakes hands with the RS. On average, monthly salaries range from 2,00,00,000-300,000.

What subjects are required to become a criminal lawyer?

Educational requirements include property, legal research and writing, civil procedure, criminal law, torts, contracts and constitutional law. During your second and third years of law school, you can select classes focusing on the criminal process that would help you become a criminal defense lawyer.

What does a criminal lawyer study?

Criminal lawyers specialise in criminal cases and represent either the state or the party charged with the crime. Regardless of what side a criminal lawyer works on, it is their job to argue on behalf of their client's legal interests.

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40 related questions found

Is criminal law hard?

Criminal law is tough—but if you're willing to rise to the challenge, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more exciting, diverse, or thought-provoking legal career.

How long is criminal law?

If you decide to enroll as a full-time student in an undergraduate criminal justice degree program, it will take an average of four years to complete the degree requirements.

What subjects are needed to become a criminal lawyer in South Africa?

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.

Can I be a lawyer with a criminology degree?

Our LLB Law with Criminology is perfectly suited for those wishing to become a legal practitioner specializing in criminal law. The course lets you study two complementary perspectives while you gain the initial academic skills to become a qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

Which university is best for law in South Africa?

Top Law Universities in South Africa
  1. University of Pretoria. Law Program Link. Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Laws, Masters, and Doctor of Laws. ...
  2. University of Cape Town. Law Program Link. ...
  3. Stellenbosch University. Law Program Link. ...
  4. University of Venda. Law Program Link. ...
  5. Rhodes University. Law Program Link.

Which type of lawyer earns the most in South Africa?

Intellectual property lawyers

The most lucrative corporate law section is usually the one that deals with intellectual property rights and patency. The average annual earnings of a senior corporate counsel in this field is as much as R1. 5 million.

Is studying law in South Africa worth it?

Law students have a great chance of getting a job or internship straight out of university and completing their studies. While a large percentage of law graduates will go on to practise law, many others study Law just because it's a prestigious degree which opens a vista of other occupations.

What does LLB stand for?

Bachelor of Laws (abbreviated as LL. B., LLB, or rarely Ll. B.) is an undergraduate law degree. In most common law countries (with the exceptions of all Canadian provinces except Quebec, and the U.S.), the LL.

Does an LLB make you a lawyer?

Becoming an Attorney is only one of many options that a law graduate has; many LLB graduates do become attorneys or advocates, but the list of options is vast - and growing! An LLB degree can be the first step to an academic career.

Is there a bar exam in South Africa?

During your pupilage you will be required to write and pass the National Bar Examination of the General Council of the Bar. These exams will test your practical ability as a potential advocate. The exams are written in the middle of the year and evening lectures must be attended in the months preceding the exams.

Which law course is best?

Here is a list of some of the top diploma courses in law after 12th for aspirants to pursue:
  • Diploma in Corporate Laws & Management.
  • Diploma in Taxation Laws.
  • Diploma in Women Studies & Gender Justice.
  • Diploma in Criminal Law.
  • Diploma in International Laws.
  • Diploma in Labour Laws.
  • Diploma in Labour Laws & Labour Welfare.

WHAT A levels do you need to be a lawyer?

A levels – To get on to a law degree you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and A grades needed for the most popular courses. Entry requirements range from BCC to AAA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for ABB. It is not a requirement to have A level law.

Can I study law without history?

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.

What are the 7 types of law?

CLASSIFICATIONS OF LAW
  • Public and Private Law.
  • Civil Law and Criminal Law.
  • Substantive and Procedural Law.
  • Municipal and International Law.
  • Written and Unwritten Law.
  • Common Law and Equity.

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

Required High School Subjects
  • English. 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.

What are the 4 types of law?

In this presentation, we will examine the four primary sources of law at the state and federal levels. These four sources of law are the United States Constitution, federal and state statutes, administrative regulations, and case law.

How long do you study to become a criminal lawyer?

Before law school, students must complete a Bachelor's degree in any subject (law isn't an undergraduate degree), which takes four years. Then, students complete their Juris Doctor (JD) degree over the next three years. In total, law students in the United States are in school for at least seven years.

How long does it take to study criminal lawyer?

Becoming 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.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:
  • Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ...
  • Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ...
  • Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ...
  • Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ...
  • Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.