Is law difficult to study in South Africa?

Asked by: Lydia Kovacek  |  Last update: July 21, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (3 votes)

Studying law takes a lot of hard work and dedication. In South Africa, proficiency in the English language is extremely important as students are required to study a multitude of technical legal books and hundreds of cases in English.

Is it hard 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.

Is it a good idea to study law 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.

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.

How long does it take to study law in South Africa?

A law degree (LL. B.) in South Africa takes 3–4 years to complete. During your Bachelor of law program, you will devote a significant amount of time to studying law texts and criminal codes, as well as memorizing stipulations and exceptions.

7 things I wish I knew BEFORE studying LAW in South Africa 🇿🇦 ⚖️ #lawstudent #llb #southafrica

35 related questions found

Can foreigners study law in South Africa?

This is in accordance to the Legal Practice Act - which only allows South Africans and permanent citizens to be admitted as lawyers. It is despite non-citizens being allowed to study law at South African universities.

How much does a law degree cost in South Africa?

Costs of Law Schools in South Africa

The average cost of law schools in South Africa ranges between R32, 000 – R40, 000. This is all dependent on the law school a graduate chooses to attend. If you're looking for education funding for your law study, visit here to get the latest law bursaries and scholarship updates.

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.

How much are lawyers paid in SA?

The average lawyer salary in South Africa is R 720 000 per year or R 369 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 240 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 6 780 000 per year.

Do lawyers get hired in South Africa?

South Africa needs committed young graduates to join the legal profession. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a profession is a paid occupation which requires a prolonged education and training. Lawyers are part of more than 1 400 professions and careers open to young graduates from universities in South Africa.

Which African country is the best to study law?

Best Law Schools in Africa
  • Egypt.
  • Ghana.
  • Kenya.
  • Nigeria.
  • South Africa.

What field of law makes the most money in South Africa?

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.

Is there a bar exam in South Africa?

The board exam consists of four examinations that you need to pass as a requirement for becoming a registered attorney in South Africa. This exam is now called the 'competency-based examination for admission as an attorney'.

What types of lawyers are in demand in South Africa?

The areas of specialisation in demand include personal accident, corporate, divorce, real estate, intellectual property, criminal, litigation, and immigration law.

How do you qualify as a lawyer 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.

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.

Which subject is best for lawyer?

Having an undergraduate degree is a minimum requirement for admission into law school. Although most lawyers have degrees in subjects like English, economics, political science, philosophy, journalism, mathematics and business, there is no official recommendation regarding any preferred major for law students.

How much does a lawyer earn per month near Johannesburg?

The average salary for a Lawyer is ZAR 76,118 per month in Johannesburg, South Africa. Salaries estimates are based on 51 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Lawyer employees in Johannesburg, South Africa. What is the highest salary for a Lawyer in Johannesburg, South Africa?

Is it better to be an advocate or attorney 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 are the minimum requirements to study law in South Africa?

Entry Requirement

A National Senior Certificate with degree admission. English Home Language level 5 or English First Additional Language level 6. Mathematical Literacy level 5 or Mathematics level 3. Life Orientation level 4.

Do you need maths to study law in South Africa?

There are no specific subject requirements for Law, and you don't need to have Maths as a matric subject.