What degree do you need to be a lawyer in South Africa?
Asked by: Efrain Kub | Last update: November 1, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (12 votes)
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.
What qualifications do I need to be a lawyer in South Africa?
To become an attorney in South Africa you will need to complete an LLB degree, 2 years of articles, pass the board exams and be admitted as an attorney by the High Court of South Africa.
How many years is a law degree 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.
Is studying law hard 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.
What type of lawyers are paid the most in South Africa?
Which lawyers earn the most in South Africa? The highest-paid lawyers often work in medical, intellectual property, business, and environmental law. Their salaries can vary based on their experience and the type of law they practice.
Become a Lawyer | South Africa | Careers Explained
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.
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 is the hardest subject in a law degree?
- Constitutional Law.
- Civil Procedure.
- Contracts.
- Federal Courts.
- Federal Income Tax.
- Administrative Law.
- Partnership Tax.
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 law a good career choice 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.
How long is a PhD in law in South Africa?
Duration. The minimum period of registration for the PhD is two years (full-time) and four years (part-time). The maximum period of study is two years in addition to the minimum period of study.
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 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 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).
What lawyer makes the most?
Patent Attorney Salary
Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.
What is the easiest law degree to get?
The easiest law degree to earn is a Master of Legal Studies degree. For more information about earning a Master of Legal Studies or for help finding a program, reach out to Learn.org today.
What is the hardest law school in the country?
1. Yale University. With an acceptance rate of just 6.9%, it's no wonder that Yale is the hardest law school to get into. Only around 1 in 15 of their highly qualified applicants makes it through.
Is law easier than doctor?
Each path demands extensive education and a commitment to rigorous training before becoming a qualified professional. Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.
How long is law school in South Africa?
The LLB degree comprises of 40 modules: 37 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules. In order to complete, the qualification students must comply with the 480 (40 modules) credit requirement. The minimum duration is 4 years.
Does law pay well 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.
Which country has the best law school 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. Its programmes emphasize human rights and constitutional law, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the region's legal challenges and opportunities.
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.
How much do judges earn in South Africa?
Remuneration of judges
In the case of Constitutional Court or Supreme Court of Appeal judges, the monthly salary amounts to R188,367 (equivalent to R2. 26 million annually), while High and Labour Court judges receive a monthly salary of R153,047 (equivalent to R1. 83 million annually).