How many advocates are there in SA?
Asked by: Prof. Arnulfo Lynch | Last update: April 26, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (70 votes)
While exact real-time figures vary, there were approximately over 5,000 practicing advocates in South Africa around 2018-2019, with the Johannesburg Society of Advocates alone having over 1,000 members, representing the specialized court-focused side of the legal profession (the "Bar"), distinct from the much larger number of attorneys.
How many advocates do we have in South Africa?
Advocates (called barristers in England) make up the 'bar' and are commonly referred to as 'counsel'. They specialize in preparing court cases, appearing before courts and other tribunals and giving legal opinions. In 2018 there were 5396 practising advocates in South Africa.
How much does an advocate earn in SA?
At a very conservative estimate of only 15 hours of work per week, at R4 500 an hour, and deducting 20% for expenses, advocates could go home with an annual salary of nearly R3 million – almost double what a high court judge earns.
Who is the best advocate in SA?
Best Lawyers in South Africa
- Martin Vermaak Attorneys. Sandton, South Africa. ...
- JMD ATTORNEYS. Johannesburg, South Africa. ...
- Paizes Attorneys. Benoni, South Africa. ...
- Hamdulay S Attorney. Cape Town, South Africa. ...
- Brookes Attorneys. ...
- Matsaung Mafika Prestige Legal Pty Ltd. ...
- BLC Attorneys. ...
- Sharon Prinsloo Attorneys & Conveyancers.
Is there a shortage of advocates in South Africa?
The paper concludes that there are not enough lawyers in the country at present to provide access to justice in the narrow sense, and suggests how this shortage can be overcome by using mechanisms that provide alternatives to lawyers.
Life of a Law Graduate | The differences between an Advocate and an Attorney in South Africa |
How much does an advocate charge per hour in South Africa?
Advocates: R3,500 to upwards of R5,000 per hour.
What careers are no longer in demand in South Africa?
According to News 2024, some careers no longer in demand in South Africa include bank tellers, telemarketers, insurance brokers, dispatch managers, and travel consultants.
Who is the richest advocate?
Harish Salve is considered the richest and highest-paid lawyer in India, charging up to ₹30 lakh per court appearance.
Who is South Africa's most famous activist?
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (/mænˈdɛlə/ man-DEL-ə, Xhosa: [xolíɬaɬa mandɛ̂ːla]; born Rolihlahla Mandela; 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
How many years does it take to be an advocate in SA?
The journey to becoming an advocate begins with the minimum qualification of an LLB degree. This is a law degree, completed in no less than four years from a recognised university. The LLB program equips you with foundational knowledge in legal principles and practices.
What is the highest paid lawyer in SA?
The highest-paid lawyers in South Africa are typically partners and senior counsel in top-tier firms (like Bowmans, ENSafrica, Webber Wentzel) specializing in high-value areas like corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, IP, and tax, with senior partners earning R1.8 million to well over R5 million annually, while top advocates can charge tens of thousands of Rand per day.
Which law firm is the best in SA?
- Webber Wentzel. ...
- ENSafrica. ...
- Eversheds Sutherland. ...
- Werksmans Attorneys. 2025 Country Outstanding | Position: 8. ...
- Dentons. 2025 Country Outstanding | Position: 9. ...
- Weich & Kriel inc. 2025 Country Outstanding | Position: 10. ...
- Gikera & Vadgama Advocates. 2025 Country Outstanding | Position: 11. ...
- Bowmans. Recommended Law Firm.
How old is the youngest lawyer?
The youngest lawyer is currently Sophia Park, who passed the California Bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother's record and becoming the youngest in California history. While she passed the exam, she was sworn in as a licensed attorney in March 2025 after turning 18, joining the Tulare County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor.
Who is the world's best advocate?
1. RICHARD SCRUGGS: Richard F. “Dickie” Scruggs is a famous American Naval aviator and trial lawyer (although now disbarred) in America. Many are taken aback by Scruggs's legal career.
Who is the top advocate in South Africa?
Best Lawyers South Africa announced
- Gary Rademeyer: Construction, Corporate and Litigation.
- Tony Chappel: Construction, Insurance, Litigation, Professional Malpractice Litigation.
- John Bell: Litigation.
- Stephen Kennedy-Good: M&A.
- Jackie Midlane: Banking and Finance Law.
Who are the big five in South Africa?
What is the Big Five in Africa? The Big Five animals comprise of Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. The lion and leopard are the predators of the bunch, who hunt with unmatched grace and stealth, while the majestic elephant is larger than life with gleaming tusks and a large trunk.
Who is the richest lawyer in the world?
There isn't one definitive "richest lawyer" as wealth fluctuates, but prominent figures often cited include Richard Scruggs, known for massive settlements like tobacco litigation (though he later faced legal issues), and Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's partner and Harvard Law grad, who became a billionaire through investments, not just law practice. Others like Thai businessman-lawyer Wichai Thongtang, former Microsoft GC Bill Neukom, and TV personality Judge Judy (Judith Sheindlin) also rank among the wealthiest lawyers.
Which type of advocate earns the most?
What Type of Lawyer Makes the Most Money?
- Patent attorneys.
- Intellectual property (IP) attorneys.
- Corporate lawyers.
- Tax attorneys.
- Trial lawyers.
Who are the big 5 lawyers?
"Big 5" law firms usually refers to the top firms by revenue/size, often led by Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, with others like DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, and A&O Shearman frequently in the top ranks globally, though specific lists vary, sometimes including firms like Skadden, Sidley Austin, or the UK's "Magic Circle" (A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, etc.). The exact "Big 5" changes depending on whether you're looking at US-specific, global, headcount, or revenue metrics, but the consistent leaders are Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins.
What jobs pay r100,000 a month in South Africa?
r100 000 per month jobs
- Luxury Safari Travel Consultant - South Africa Specialist | Fully Remote. ...
- Real Estate Agent. ...
- Town Planner. ...
- South Africa - Senior Luxury Safari Sales Consultant | FULLY REMOTE. ...
- Business Development Manager - stationery Items. ...
- Director of Technology and Innovation (100% Remote Work in South Africa)
What is the most scarce skill in South Africa?
Scarce skills in South Africa
- Information technology (IT) IT specialists drive digital transformation, powering innovation across industries. ...
- Healthcare. South Africa's shortage of healthcare professionals is worsened by emigration, an ageing population and rising health needs. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Finance & Accounting.
What is the hardest job in South Africa?
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane currently occupies the toughest job in the country, reporting to at least two government departments and dealing with widespread corruption and crime, all while trying to keep the lights on.