How many law bars are there in South Africa?
Asked by: Prof. Enrico Brekke | Last update: July 28, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (74 votes)
SOUTH AFRICAN LEGAL SYSTEM. The General Council of the Bar (GCB) is a voluntary and federal association representing the organized advocates' profession in South Africa, consisting of 14 constituent member Bars. There is a Bar at the seat of every provincial and local division of the High Court of South Africa.
Do we have a bar exam in South Africa?
In South Africa, the Bar Exam is a critical step for LLB graduates aiming to become practicing attorneys or advocates. It evaluates a candidate's grasp of legal principles, procedures, and ethical considerations essential for legal practice.
Does the law Society of South Africa still exist?
The LSSA represents the attorneys' profession in South Africa, which comprises 27 000 attorneys and 7000 candidate attorneys.
How many law firms are there in South Africa?
There are 10 959 law firms in South Africa – 62% of these are sole practitioners and 35% have between two and nine attorneys. Only some 30 firms have more than 50 attorneys.
Is law hard 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. The legal industry in South Africa is exceptionally competitive and there are many different career paths to choose from.
Become a Lawyer | South Africa | Careers Explained
How long is a law degree in South Africa?
The four-year programme comprises mostly law subjects with several Humanity or Commerce subjects at first year level. You must take certain core law subjects if you wish to graduate with an LLB. Other subjects form a set of electives you can choose from.
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.
What type of lawyer is most 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.
What are South African lawyers called?
The legal administration in South Africa is comprised of:
1.2 Officers of the Court in the Private Sector: i) Attorneys; and ii) Advocates.
Can a US lawyer practice 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.
Who controls lawyers in South Africa?
The Legal Practice Council is the controlling body for the legal profession in South Africa.
Which law is the greatest in South Africa?
The Constitution is the supreme law
South Africa is a constitutional democracy. This means the Constitution is the highest law of the land. Parliament cannot pass a law which goes against the Constitution.
How much is the bar exam in South Africa?
In this examination candidates must have a sound knowledge of substantive law and be able to apply it regarding matters covered by this syllabus. The registration fee is currently: R345,00 (incl VAT),irrespective of the number of papers to be written.
What qualifications do I need to be a lawyer in South Africa?
To become an attorney in South Africa you will need to complete an LLB degree, 2 years of articles, pass the board exams and be admitted as an attorney by the High Court of South Africa.
How do I get a bar license in South Africa?
- Step 1: Determine the Type of License. ...
- Step 2: Complete the Application Form. ...
- Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents. ...
- Step 4: Submit Your Application and Pay the Fee. ...
- Step 5: Wait for Processing. ...
- Step 6: Site Inspection. ...
- Step 7: Attend a Hearing. ...
- Step 8: Receive Your Liquor License.
What does LLB mean?
The Bachelor of Laws degree abbreviates to 'LLB', due to the traditional name of the qualification derived from Latin, 'Legum Baccalaureus'.
Are lawyers allowed to have tattoos?
Well, there is good news. Lawyers are not, say, lifeguards. They don't expose a lot of skin. And just about all of the advice we saw on the internet said lawyers can definitely rock a tat — just make sure it's not exposed.
What is a divorce lawyer called?
A divorce lawyer, also called a family law attorney, is someone who knows a lot about divorce, child custody, and how to split money and belongings when a marriage ends. They represent people in court and give advice about divorce.
How much does a lawyer cost in South Africa?
Understanding lawyer costs in South Africa
Junior counsel: Newer attorneys, or those with less experience, usually charge between R900 and R1,200 per hour. Mid-level attorneys: More experienced lawyers may charge between R1,200 and R4,000 per hour.
What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney in South Africa?
There is not difference between a lawyer and an attorney, other than semantics. In different regions around the world, licenced legal professionals are called by different names. In South Africa, we refer to someone who performs a legal function as lawyers or attorneys (which can be used interchangeably).
Which law is in high 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.
Is studying law in South Africa worth it?
The rigour of a Law school education, and the range of skills in which excellence is required for graduation, ensures that law graduates are sought after across a range of endeavours. In other words, Law graduates enjoy excellent career prospects.
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.
How many hours does a lawyer work?
Although most lawyers have a regular 40-hour week, a significant percentage of them work more frequently. The average weekly work hours for various types of lawyers are: Lawyers working for large firms: 66 hours per week. Lawyers working for small and medium-sized firms: 42-54 hours per week.