Is a law degree worth it in South Africa?
Asked by: Susan Stracke | Last update: October 1, 2025Score: 5/5 (58 votes)
Starting a legal career in South Africa offers many opportunities and paths to follow, each suited to different interests and goals. Whether you want to become an attorney or advocate or work in areas like corporate or environmental law, a law degree in South Africa sets you up for a varied and impactful career.
Is law worth studying 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.
Is lawyer a good career in South Africa?
Today, the legal industry in South Africa is exceptionally competitive, offering diverse career opportunities for aspirants. There is a growing demand for legal expertise driven by new challenges and emerging fields. As a result, this is encouraging millions of youths to study law and start fulfilling careers.
Is law still in demand in South Africa?
Since 27 April 1994, when South Africa became a constitutional democracy, the scope and demand for skilled legal professionals have expanded remarkably. The advent of information technology has opened a vista for the employment of lawyers that could hardly have been predicted fifty years ago.
Do lawyers make a lot of money in South Africa?
The average lawyer salary in South Africa is R 360 000 per year or R 185 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 156 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 2 352 000 per year.
Become a Lawyer | South Africa | Careers Explained
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 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.
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.
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 ...
Which type of law pays the most in South Africa?
The highest paying fields of law in South Africa typically include corporate law, intellectual property law, and mergers and acquisitions. These areas often involve complex legal issues and high-value transactions, contributing to higher salaries.
How many years to study law 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.
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 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 country is best to study law in Africa?
#1 in Africa: University of Cape Town, South Africa
The University of Cape Town Faculty of Law is a leader in African legal education.
What are the advantages of being a lawyer in South Africa?
Objective of Pursuing LLB
There are many reasons why people choose Law. Lawyers have several advantages: they make a good income. Lawyers have a respected profession and make a positive impact on society. Lawyers can also help marginalised communities and work in specialised areas of business.
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 careers are no longer in demand in South Africa?
Knowing which fields are shrinking is essential if you are planning your career. According to News 2024, some careers no longer in demand in South Africa include bank tellers, telemarketers, insurance brokers, dispatch managers, and travel consultants.
Do foreigners get jobs in South Africa?
Non-citizens or non-permanent residents who wish to work in South Africa must obtain a work visa. There are four categories of work visas allowing foreign candidates to work in the country: General work - the most common type of visa, covering the majority of applications and valid for up to five years.
Which master's degree is most in demand in South Africa?
With the constantly changing job market and technological advancements, choosing a degree that will provide you with the abilities and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce is essential. Some of the most in-demand degrees currently include healthcare, technology, and business.
Is law degree in demand in South Africa?
In high demand
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.
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.
How long does it take to qualify as 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.
What is considered a good salary in South Africa?
What is a good salary in South Africa? A good salary in South Africa depends on a number of factors, including your experience, education, industry, location and lifestyle. However, according to data from Numbeo, a salary of R30,000 or more per month is considered to be good.
Which degree pays the most in South Africa?
The highest-paying job in South Africa is that of a medical specialist, particularly neurosurgeons and cardiologists, who can earn around R1. 6 million per year.