How many people are lawyers in South Africa?
Asked by: Rosanna Dach | Last update: November 2, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (41 votes)
About the attorneys' profession There are currently some 30 193 practising attorneys and 5 882 candidate attorneys in South Africa. Attorneys are officers of the court and are registered on the roll of attorneys at the Legal Practice Council.
Are lawyers in high demand in South Africa?
Yes, lawyers are in demand in South Africa, especially in corporate, criminal, human rights, environmental, and intellectual property law, due to economic, social, and legal developments.
Is there a shortage of lawyers 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.
How many LLB graduates are there in South Africa?
In 2017 there was a total of 5185 students that graduated with an LLB degree. The majority of these students were enrolled at UNISA, University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal and University of the Witwatersrand.
What is a lawyer called in South Africa?
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).
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How many lawyers are in South Africa?
About the attorneys' profession
There are currently some 29 981 practising attorneys and 5 483 candidate attorneys in South Africa. Attorneys are officers of the court and are registered on the roll of attorneys at the Legal Practice Council.
Do lawyers make money in South Africa?
In South Africa, lawyers' salaries vary by role and experience. Candidate attorneys earn R13,000 a month. Qualified associates make R22,709 monthly. Senior associates earn R29,722; partners can make R591,378 per year.
Is LLB in demand in South Africa?
FAQS on Is Law (LLB) in demand in South Africa
Yes, LLB graduates are in demand in South Africa, particularly in specialized areas such as corporate law, environmental law, and intellectual property law. The evolving legal landscape continues to create opportunities for law professionals.
How many lawyers are hired per year?
Job Outlook: About 35,600 new job openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Leading Sectors: The industries with the highest levels of employment for lawyers include Legal Services, Local Government, and State Government.
How many years does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa?
How long does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa? It takes at least 4 years to become a lawyer in South Africa. However, if you would like to become an attorney, you will need to complete a 4 year LLB degree and 2 years of articles for a total of at least 6 years.
Can Indian lawyer practice in South Africa?
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.
Is law worth it 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.
Which lawyer 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.
What is the most wanted job in South Africa?
The top careers in South Africa for 2024 include Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Medical Services, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sciences, Finance and Financial Technology (FinTech), Education and E-Learning, Engineering and Construction, Marketing and Digital Marketing, and Logistics ...
What is the highest paid lawyer in SA?
What are the highest paying fields of law in South Africa? The highest paying fields of law in South Africa typically include corporate law, intellectual property law, and mergers and acquisitions.
Can a foreigner work as a lawyer in South Africa?
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. For further information, please contact the Legal Practice Council.
What kind of lawyer makes the most money?
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.
What percentage of lawyers are unemployed?
Unemployment rates for lawyers and paralegals rose from 0.9% to 1% and 2.5% to 3.4%, respectively, while the rate more than doubled for men (from 0.4% to 1.1%) and nearly doubled for women (from 1.8% to 3%). All rates for legal workers were still lower than the national unemployment rate of 3.8% in the first quarter.
Where do most lawyers live?
The state with the most lawyers is New York. With its significant concentration of law firms, corporate headquarters, and financial institutions, New York has the highest number of practicing attorneys in the U.S., particularly in cities like New York City.
Does law pay well in South Africa?
Mid-level lawyers, such as associates, earn between R650,000 to R850,000 per year, while senior associates earn R850,000 to R1,400,000 annually.
Is law school expensive in South Africa?
South African Law School Fees
For domestic LLB students in South Africa, tuition fees can range from approximately R20,000 to R80,000 or more per year.
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.
Is a law degree worth it in South Africa?
A law degree in South Africa is more than just a qualification for practising law; it is a career path that opens doors to diverse and influential opportunities. Lawyers have historically played crucial roles in shaping societies by supporting justice and protecting the rights of individuals and communities.
What is the highest paying job in South Africa?
- Neurosurgeon – R3 million to R5 million.
- Cardiothoracic surgeon – R2. ...
- Ship captain (Deep sea/Specialised cargo) – R2 million to R3. ...
- Actuary (with experience) – R1. ...
- Mining engineer (deep level) – R1. ...
- Legal partner (corporate law) – R1.
What do lawyers love the most?
- 64%: Helping clients.
- 29%: Intellectual stimulation.