What is a state advocate in South Africa?

Asked by: Jakayla Pollich  |  Last update: October 12, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (68 votes)

He/she acts as a “public prosecutor” in a High Court. A state advocate's work is also done in court, although more preparation and research on cases is necessary. State advocates are appointed by the National Prosecuting Authority and are attached to the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions.

What does an advocate do in South Africa?

Advocates also give legal opinions and help with the drafting of legal documents that are required in every walk of life, be they commercial, industrial or domestic. 5.2 How do I become an advocate? The basic requirement is an LLB degree from any South African university.

How much do state advocates get paid in South Africa?

State advocates at the entry level will be paid R483 915 while grade 2 advocates will earn R570 021. Special investigators salaries vary from R180 000 up to R726 330. The new salaries were drawn up after consultation with the national director of public prosecutions and the public service and administration minister.

What is the difference between attorney and 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 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))

Justice for Meyiwa | Trial to resume tomorrow morning

25 related questions found

How do I become a state advocate in South Africa?

State advocates are appointed by the National Prosecuting Authority and are attached to the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Anyone seeking appointment as a state advocate must have an LLB degree as a minimum qualification. A magistrate adjudicates criminal and civil cases in court.

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?

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).

Why is a lawyer also called an advocate?

Lawyers are sometimes called advocates because they are trained to represent their clients' interests and argue their cases before a court or other legal forum.

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.

How long does it take to become 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.

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.

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.

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.

What are the 3 types of advocacy?

Advocacy is also about helping people find their voice. There are three types of advocacy - self-advocacy, individual advocacy and systems advocacy.

What are the benefits of having an advocate?

An advocate can: listen to your views and concerns. help you explore your options and rights (without pressuring you) provide information to help you make informed decisions.

What is the role of the advocate?

The role of an advocate is to offer independent support to those who feel they are not being heard and to ensure they are taken seriously and that their rights are respected. It is also to assist people to access and understand appropriate information and services.

What is a respectful term for lawyer?

Courtesy Title “Esquire”

If you wish to use this form, make sure to write the attorney's full name, followed by the "Esq" initials. By using "Esq," you are not required to use Mr. or Mrs. before their official name.

How do I verify an advocate in South Africa?

Contact the Legal Practice Council to find a legal practitioner, to confirm that the legal practitioner is on the practising roll, or to confirm that the legal practitioner is in good standing with the Legal Practice Council.

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.

How many 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.

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.