Is it better to be an advocate or attorney in South Africa?

Asked by: Mrs. Aida Sporer  |  Last update: December 7, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (49 votes)

Unlike an attorney, an advocate does not deal directly with the client – the attorney refers the client to an advocate when the situation requires it. While attorneys can only represent clients in the lower courts in South Africa, advocates can appear on behalf of clients in the higher courts as well.

What is the difference between an attorney and an advocate in South Africa?

Advocates generally need skills to present and argue cases in court while attorneys mostly use their general knowledge of the law to consult with their clients and give legal advice. Both of these career paths can lead to high salaries and job satisfaction.

What type of lawyer makes the most money in South Africa?

General Counsel salary in South Africa 2023

In South Africa, a general counsel earns an average salary of R1,185,677.00 yearly. The highest-paid lawyers in South Africa, according to the Robert Walters salary benchmark, are general counsels in the financial services, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Are advocates in demand in South Africa?

Litigation attorneys are among the types of advocates in high demand today. They defend people in civil lawsuits. Unlike criminal layers, these experts deal with civil cases where neither of the parties involved faces the penalty of jail time. They earn about R269,789 annually.

How many years does it take to be an advocate in SA?

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 the difference between an Attorney and an Advocate in South Africa? Why not be a lawyer?!

15 related questions found

Can a foreigner become an advocate 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.

What qualifications do I need to be an advocate in South Africa?

The basic requirement is an LLB degree from any South African university. Having achieved this, the next step is to apply to the High Court to be included on the 'roll' of advocates. To do this, an applicant must satisfy the court that he/she is both qualified and able to be a member of the profession.

Is becoming a lawyer in South Africa worth it?

A career in law can be immensely rewarding and offer job satisfaction. This is especially so when you are able to provide the client with a solution in an expeditious and cost effective manner. However it also has its drawbacks, the biggest of which must be the high levels of stress which lawyers work under.

Where do advocates work in South Africa?

In the public sector, State Advocates are employed as public prosecutors by the National Prosecuting Authority and some advocates are also employed as advisors in various organs of state or state departments.

What are lawyers called 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).

Do lawyers get paid well in South Africa?

The legal profession in South Africa offers one of the highest-paying and most lucrative careers in the country, with many legacy and emerging fields requiring highly skilled individuals to make sure affairs are in order.

What are the two kinds of lawyers in South Africa?

We will explore some of these types of lawyers here, and what they do.
  • Divorce lawyer. When terminating a marriage there are many legal aspects that need to be addressed. ...
  • Family lawyer. ...
  • Immigration lawyer. ...
  • Criminal lawyer. ...
  • Accident and personal injury lawyer. ...
  • Business and corporate lawyer. ...
  • Bankruptcy lawyer. ...
  • Labour law lawyer.

Can a legal practitioner be both an attorney and an advocate in South Africa?

No, they can do only work traditionally done by advocates. For example, a conveyancer is defined in the LPA as a 'practising attorney admitted and enrolled to practise as a conveyancer'. Similarly, also a notary. Rule 33 sets out the legal services that may be rendered by advocates with trust accounts.

What are the different types of advocates in South Africa?

Types of Advocates:
  • Referral Advocate (section 34 (2) (i))
  • Fidelity Fund/Trust Account Advocate (section 34 (2) (a) (ii))
  • Attorney (section 34 (i))

Do lawyers earn more than doctors in South Africa?

The average salary of a qualified lawyer in South Africa is R 45,000 per month while that of doctors is R 50,000 per month. As you can notice, doctors earn better than lawyers at all levels. If you are into self-employment, as a lawyer you will start a law firm and as a doctor you will operate a clinic.

Who pays lawyers in South Africa?

Typically the purchaser pays the transfer fees charged by the conveyancing attorneys attending to the transfer of the property into the purchaser's name.

What makes a good lawyer South Africa?

What makes a great lawyer?
  • Good Communication Skills.
  • Judgment.
  • Analytical Skills.
  • Research Skills.
  • Perseverance.
  • Creativity.
  • Logical Thinking Ability.
  • Public Speaking Skills.

Which university produces best lawyers in South Africa?

QS World Rankings ranks UCT as the top university to study law in South Africa. The university is recognized for producing law graduates that are highly sought after both locally and internationally.

How many practicing advocates are there 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 many bars of advocates are there in South Africa?

The 'Bar' is the name traditionally used for Societies of Advocates. There are 14 Bars affiliated to the General Council of the Bar of South Africa. Each Bar is an independent association governed by an elected Bar Council.

What is the basic salary for lawyers in South Africa?

The average lawyer salary in South Africa is R 732 000 per year or R 375 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 259 500 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 6 780 000 per year.

Can an American lawyer practice in South Africa?

Do you need to hold local nationality to be eligible to practise law? A candidate must be a South African citizen, or permanent resident in the Republic. There are pathways open to foreign practitioners who have already fully qualified in their home country.

Why can't foreigners practice law in South Africa?

Foreign law graduates who have lived, studied and completed articles and pupillage in South Africa do not qualify. The court said non-citizens have no rights under Section 22 of the Constitution which entrenches the rights of citizens to choose their trade occupation and profession.

What is the new law for foreigners in South Africa?

Under the bill, foreign nationals would only be permitted to work in South Africa if they have the appropriate work visa, have an asylum seeker permit endorsed with the right to work or if they are permitted to work according to an international agreement.