What are the two kinds of lawyers in South Africa?

Asked by: Leila Braun V  |  Last update: October 31, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (25 votes)

The legal administration in South Africa is comprised of:
1.2 Officers of the Court in the Private Sector: i) Attorneys; and ii) Advocates.

What are the different types 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.

What are South African lawyers called?

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).

How many types of lawyers do we have in South Africa?

There are multiple types of lawyers in South Africa. They include divorce, personal accident, corporate, criminal, real estate, intellectual property, immigration, and litigation law.

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.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF LAWYERS AND PRACTICE AREAS OF LAW

25 related questions found

What is the difference between lawyer and advocate in South Africa?

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. To become an advocate, one has to become a member of the General Council of the Bar.

Who pays advocates in South Africa?

The attorney will pay the advocate first from their own account and later the client pays the attorney for such fees. There may be additional legal expenses incurred as a result of such a distinction between attorneys and advocates.

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.

What is the highest paid type of lawyer 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.

What is a law degree called in South Africa?

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) The LLB degree provides students with a sound knowledge of the general principles of the South African legal system, and an ability to use legal materials effectively. Qualification: LLB. Faculty: Commerce, Law and Management. Duration: 2-4 years. School: Law.

How many years does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa?

How long does it take 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 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 is barrister in South Africa?

A barrister is a type of lawyer in common law jurisdictions. Barristers mostly specialise in courtroom advocacy and litigation. Their tasks include taking cases in superior courts and tribunals, drafting legal pleadings, researching the law and giving expert legal opinions.

Who controls lawyers in South Africa?

In terms of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014, legal practitioners (attorneys and advocates) fall under the regulatory and disciplinary jurisdiction of the Legal Practice Council.

Where do lawyers work in South Africa?

The scope of the legal profession is vast. There are four main sectors: the public sector; the private sector; the civic and nongovernmental sector, which straddles both the private and public sectors; and the courts and administration of the justice sector.

How much do lawyers in South Africa end?

Those who have the mettle to stick it out and soar up the ranks of top law firms, meanwhile, can end up earning over R5 million a year as a senior partner (over R415,000 a month). Fresh graduates, operating as candidate attorneys, also start out at R25,000 a month.

Who is the richest lawyer in Africa?

Adewale Tinubu – $700 million

Adewale is Nigeria's wealthiest lawyer. He was born in Lagos State and graduated from the University of Liverpool in England.

How much does a divorce lawyer earn in South Africa per month?

An early career Divorce Lawyer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R131,000 based on 10 salaries. A mid-career Divorce Lawyer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R425,000 based on 5 salaries.

Can a foreign lawyer work in South Africa?

In terms of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014, foreign lawyers need to qualify as legal practitioners in South Africa in order to practise as such.

Can a US lawyer work in another country?

While work depends on the setting, American lawyers find work overseas working in the office of a U.S. law firm or as an attorney in a law firm abroad. American lawyers may also work for U.S. multinational companies as the local legal liaison overseas.

Can foreigners be lawyers 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 an advocate charge per hour in South Africa?

Several senior advocates and lawyers who spoke to City Press said South Africa's top advocates charge as much as R45? 000 per day. At a very conservative estimate of only 15 hours of work per week, at R4? 500 an hour, and deducting 20% for expenses, advocates could go home with an annual salary of nearly R3?

Are you allowed a lawyer if you can t afford one in South Africa?

To qualify for free legal assistance, a person must comply with a 'means test' (a maximum monthly or no income) and have a legal problem with merit. You will be referred to an attorney by the Legal Practice Council who will assist you free of charge (pro bono).

Are state lawyers free in South Africa?

You don't pay for legal aid

If you qualify for legal aid, and we have agreed to represent you, you will not have to pay for anything. In fact, Legal Aid South Africa lawyers may not ask for or be paid any money when they assist you with your case.