How do I become a legal advisor in South Africa?
Asked by: Gina Smitham | Last update: December 6, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (4 votes)
The basic requirement is an LLB degree from any South African university. Having achieved this, the next step is to apply to the High Court to be included on the 'roll' of advocates. To do this, an applicant must satisfy the court that he/she is both qualified and able to be a member of the profession.
How much do legal advisors earn in South Africa?
On average, legal advisers in South Africa earn R554,623 per annum as of December 2024, according to Talent.com. This means that the Legal Adviser salary per month is R46,219, which is more than double the national average.
Can you be a legal advisor without being a lawyer?
Broadly speaking, a legal consultant is any professional who provides information or advice in matters of or related to the law. Legal consultancy is a wide-ranging field that includes lawyers, but a law degree isn't always necessary to work in the field.
Do you need a license to be a legal advisor?
This means that it's important to research and abide by the rules and regulations that apply to you and your situation. However, most legal consultants are not required to be admitted to their state bar or be licensed to practice law.
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.
45+ Career / Jobs for LLB Law Graduates in South Africa
Can you practice law in South Africa with an UK degree?
Qualifying as a foreign lawyer in South Africa
To practise local law, a foreign lawyer must requalify as a South African attorney. To be admitted as an attorney, an individual must have: an LLB degree from a South African university. two years' service under articles of clerkship with a South African firm of attorneys.
How to become a legal advisor in South Africa?
To become this legal professional, you typically need to earn a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, complete Practical Legal Training (PLT), and be admitted as an attorney or advocate.
Is a legal advisor the same as a lawyer?
A legal advisor is essentially a lawyer who provides legal advice to a large company or organization. They could be called “in-house lawyers”, “in-house counsel” or “in-house counsel”. A legal advisor usually specializes in a specific area of law.
What degree do you need to become a legal consultant?
Qualifications. Both legal consultants and lawyers typically start with a similar educational path, including a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate (JD) from law school.
Can anyone be an advisor?
There is no entity that requires someone calling themselves a Financial Advisor (FA) to meet minimum requirements. No education standards. No licensing. No continuing education.
What is a legal consultant in South Africa?
Our corporate legal consultants provide specialised legal advice to boards of directors and other stakeholders on the best structures to rationalise their businesses, as well as the implementation thereof. We place an emphasis on understanding the needs of the business, the people and its values.
Can someone without a law degree own a law firm?
Outside of a few exceptions, the general rule in the U.S. is that only licensed attorneys can own law firms.
What is a first year lawyer called?
First-year associates are entry-level junior attorneys and are generally recent law school graduates in their first year of law practice.
What type of lawyer is most in demand in South Africa?
What types of lawyers are in high demand in South Africa? High demand exists for lawyers in corporate, criminal, human rights, environmental, and intellectual property law.
Which law career 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.
How much do legal advisors make in the UK?
The estimated total pay for a Legal Advisor is £30,317 per year, with an average salary of £28,105 per year.
What qualifications do you need to be a consultant?
- a good degree pass in a subject like business studies or business management.
- evidence of analytical, planning and communication skills.
- relevant work experience from placements, internships or temporary jobs.
Can you do legal consulting without a degree?
While a degree can provide essential legal knowledge and open initial doors, it is not an absolute requirement to start or succeed in legal consulting. Increasingly, the focus is shifting towards practical skills, real-world experience, and specialized expertise within specific legal areas.
Can a paralegal be a legal consultant?
Paralegal Responsibilities
The role of a paralegal is to support lawyers by performing various legal tasks, such as conducting research, drafting documents, and managing cases. However, providing legal advice is strictly the purview of licensed attorneys. Here are some key points regarding what paralegals can do.
Are attorneys higher than lawyers?
The primary difference between an attorney and a lawyer is that an attorney is licensed to practice law and represent clients in court, while a lawyer has completed law school but may not be licensed to practice law. All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys.
Do you need a license to be a legal consultant?
Pass the state bar. While legal consultants may not need to pass the state bar exams, doing so can help you become a more marketable candidate when looking for jobs. Passing the state bar is also a helpful career move if you wish to practice as a lawyer in the future.
What is a legal advisor?
A Legal Advisor is a person who provides legal advice, often in an official capacity. Government officials that qualify as lawyers (jurist) in certain countries can get the title Legal Adviser.
Can an UK lawyer practice in South Africa?
Attorneys/solicitors with experience in any of the bigger law firms in London are in high demand. It is however essential that they are dual qualified and eligible to work in South Africa. You are more likely to succeed in securing a role if you are in South Africa when apply for opportunities.
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.