Is it easy to become a lawyer in South Africa?
Asked by: Wiley Torp IV | Last update: October 9, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (51 votes)
It takes at least seven years to become an attorney and an additional year to become an advocate. Only some foreign-trained lawyers are able to avoid repeating their LLBs at a South African law school – as usually a South African qualification is necessary.
Is it hard to become a lawyer in South Africa?
Becoming an attorney in South Africa involves dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to justice and the rule of law. It starts with earning an LLB degree, completing articles of clerkship, and passing the board examinations.
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.
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.
How many years is it 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.
Successful Advocate Explains: How to Be a Lawyer in South Africa
Is studying law in South Africa worth it?
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 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.
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.
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 university is best for law in South Africa?
The best law universities in South Africa include the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Regenesys School of Law, University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Pretoria (UP), Stellenbosch University, North-West University (NWU), and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Can a foreigner become a South African citizen?
This is the most common route of citizenship for expats that are resident in the country for education, employment, business, etc. You can apply for citizenship by naturalisation if you have been a permanent resident of South Africa for five or more years.
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.
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.
Is 50k a month good in South Africa?
Is 50k a month good in South Africa? Yes, earning R50,000 a month is considered very good and allows for a comfortable lifestyle in South Africa, covering all basic needs and affording a higher standard of living.
Which 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.
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.
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 if you can't afford a lawyer in South Africa?
Legal Aid South Africa
Legal Aid South Africa's role is to provide legal aid to those who cannot afford their own legal representation. This includes poor people and vulnerable groups such as women, children and the rural poor. Legal Aid SA applies a 'means test' to see whether you qualify in terms of what you earn.
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 ...
Is it worth it studying law in South Africa?
Studying an LLB degree in South Africa opens up a plethora of career prospects for international students. The legal profession in South Africa is diverse, ranging from working as an advocate, attorney, legal advisor, or corporate lawyer.
Which lawyers go to court the most?
Criminal defense lawyers may appear in court more frequently than other types of lawyers, especially if a case goes to trial.