How many years is it to study law in South Africa?
Asked by: Rasheed Predovic | Last update: December 10, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (8 votes)
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.
How long is a law degree in SA?
Rules: 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 make a law in South Africa?
Based on the data, it takes President Zuma an average 96 days to sign a bill. The President may also refer a Bill to the Constitutional Court for a decision on its constitutionality but this path is seldom taken.
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.
Which law course is best, 3 years or 5 years?
A five-year LLB is a preferable choice if the students want to practise law as a career from the beginning of their education. They will be introduced to the field of legal education right away. Additionally, because this is a dual degree programme, students can take two classes concurrently.
Become a Lawyer | South Africa | Careers Explained
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 quickest 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.
Are lawyers well paid 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.
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.
How many years does it take to study lawyer in Nigeria?
Graduation Requirements
The following conditions are required to graduate from the LL. B programme: Years/Semester Required: Minimum Duration of the Bachelor of Laws Programme is five (5) years of 10 semesters and four (4) years of Eight (8) semesters for direct entry students.
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.
What is the highest law 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. No person, not even the President, can go against it.
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.
Can you finish law school in 2 years?
Accelerated JD programs are designed to expedite the legal education process, allowing students to enter the legal profession more quickly than through traditional pathways. These programs come in various formats, including two-year JD programs and 3+3 JD programs, each catering to different student needs and goals.
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.
Who gets paid more a lawyer or an attorney?
The national average salary for an attorney is $97,879 per year , while a lawyer has an average salary of $96,557 per year . Although the average earnings have a slight difference, you may earn more or less depending on your years of experience, employer, location and skills.
What is a first year law student called?
1L, 2L, 3L: In undergrad, your year in school is usually referred to as freshman, sophomore, etc. In law school, we use 1L to refer to first year, 2L to second year, 3L to third year. Your law school might have a part time division, and in that case, some students might be referred to as 4Ls as well.
Are you a lawyer after you pass the bar exam?
Attorneys, lawyers, and counsel have all been educated and trained in law. As explained above, attorneys must pass the bar exam and practice law in court. Lawyers have also taken the bar exam, and may or may not practice law. Counsels provide legal advice, and often work for an organization or corporation.
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 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.
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.
What is the hardest year in law school?
Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.
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.