How long is a law degree in SA?

Asked by: Tara Labadie  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (51 votes)

How long does it take to complete an LLB degree in South Africa? A full-time LLB degree typically takes four years to complete, while part-time study can extend to five or six years, depending on the course load and schedule flexibility.

How long does a law degree take in South Africa?

The LLB degree comprises of 40 modules: 37 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules. In order to complete, the qualification students must comply with the 480 (40 modules) credit requirement. The minimum duration is 4 years.

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

The only academic qualification that is presently recognised for the purpose of admission as an attorney is an LLB degree (the course duration of which is not less than four years) obtained at any university in the Republic.

Can you get a law degree in 2 years?

California, by statute, requires you to complete two years of college before you can qualify for admission to the bar. You also have to complete a formal four-year apprenticeship if you do not enroll in law school. Step Two: Complete the First Year of a Formal Four-Year Apprenticeship.

What is a 4 year law degree called?

Juris Doctor (JD)

How to apply for a law degree in South Africa? Entry requirements, closing dates, degree structure

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What is the difference between a JD and a lawyer?

Esq. stands for Esquire and is added to a lawyer's name once they pass the bar exam. J.D. stands for Juris Doctor, which is earned by graduating from law school. Someone given the title of J.D. has received a law degree but cannot practice law because they're not a bar member.

Which law pays the most?

What are the highest-paid types of lawyers? The highest-paid lawyers typically specialize in fields such as corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These areas command higher salaries due to the complexity, demand, and financial stakes involved.

What is the shortest law degree?

The fastest law degree you can earn is a Master of Legal Studies, as some of these programs allow you to graduate in 12 months. Master's programs require you to have a bachelor's degree beforehand, and some require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) beforehand.

How many years to become a lawyer in the Philippines?

Becoming a lawyer in the Philippines typically takes about eight (8) years. An aspiring lawyer must complete a four-year undergraduate degree in any field and enroll in and complete a four-year law program. The eight years excludes the time spent on Bar Exam preparation and any potential delays or additional steps.

Is 30 too old for law school?

It's never too late in life to apply to law school. Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40.

What is the difference between an attorney and a lawyer?

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.

What is the maximum salary for a lawyer in South Africa?

Senior lawyers, including partners, earn higher salaries ranging from R1,400,000 to R3,500,000 per year, depending on their experience and firm size.

How many years does it take to become a corporate lawyer?

The path to becoming a corporate lawyer includes approximately seven years of education and passing multiple exams, followed by potential specialization and continuing education; prospective corporate lawyers are also advised to gain experience through internships and networking .

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.

How fast can you finish a law degree?

As a law student, you can expect to spend at least three years in law school. Full-time students typically complete their studies within three years, while part-time students take up to five years. Graduating from law school is an impressive achievement for many aspiring lawyers.

How long is a PhD in law in South Africa?

Duration. The minimum period of registration for the PhD is two years (full-time) and four years (part-time). The maximum period of study is two years in addition to the minimum period of study.

Can you finish law school in 2 years in Philippines?

Law School

In the Philippines, legal education is offered through Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs, and requires an additional four to five years of study — depending if you are a day (i.e. full-time) or evening (i.e. working) student.

How much money does a lawyer make in the Philippines?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is ₱91,667 per month in the Manila Philippines area, with an average salary of ₱75,000 per month. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Can you become a lawyer in 4 years?

Technically, yes. California is one of only four states that lets lawyers forgo law school—but specific requirements must still be met. As one alternative path, students can work under the supervision of a California judge or an attorney in a law office for 18 hours a week for four years.

What is the hardest law degree to get?

The hardest law school to get into is Yale Law School, with an acceptance rate of 5.5%. Followed by: Stanford Law School: 7% acceptance rate. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School: 3.8% acceptance rate.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

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 law is in demand in South Africa?

Which areas of law are currently most in demand in South Africa? Corporate law, environmental law, and human rights law are among the most in-demand areas. The country's focus on compliance and regulation also drives demand in fields such as labor law and tax law.

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.

Which type of law is best to study?

Here are 16 fruitful, promising areas of law for you to consider.
  1. Complex Litigation. This is an area of law that demands a lot of patience and incredible attention to detail. ...
  2. Corporate Law. ...
  3. Tax Law. ...
  4. Intellectual Property. ...
  5. Blockchain. ...
  6. Healthcare. ...
  7. Environmental. ...
  8. Criminal.