What subjects do you need to become a lawyer in SA?

Asked by: Rosario King  |  Last update: November 27, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (22 votes)

Subjects that are needed to become a lawyer in South Africa include Foundations of South African law, South African private law, constitutional law, criminal law, intellectual property, evidence and African Customary Law.

What subjects are most needed to become a lawyer?

Although there is no specific major explicitly required for law school, most law students come from fields such as political science, history, English, or other related disciplines during their undergraduate years.

What are the best subjects to take to become a lawyer?

To be a lawyer you need classes in English, Speech and a grounding in History and political science. Obviously on a high school level, you can have the English , History and Speech but few if any teach political science on the high school level. Classes in philosophy and economics can also help.

What to study to become a lawyer in South Africa?

The only academic qualification that is presently recognised for the purpose of admission as an attorney is an LLB degree (the course duration of which is not less than four years) obtained at any university in the Republic.

Which subject is best for lawyer at A level?

For aspiring Law students, the combination of ``Maths, History, Law'' is a strong option. It directly incorporates Law as an A-Level, providing a solid foundation in legal principles, while also including the analytical and contextual skills from Maths and History.

Become a Lawyer | South Africa | Careers Explained

19 related questions found

What grades do you need for law school?

Obtain High GPA & LSAT Scores

According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), students need a GPA of at least 3.59 and an LSAT of 162 or more to get into any top 10 law schools.

How many hours do lawyers work?

Most lawyers work full-time, and some regularly exceed the standard 40-hour workweek. The size of their practice significantly impacts how many hours lawyers typically work each week. For example: Lawyers at small- and medium-sized firms work an average of 42-54 hours per week.

Which type of lawyer is best?

11 of the highest-paying lawyers
  • Civil litigation attorney. ...
  • Real estate attorney. ...
  • Intellectual property attorney. ...
  • Bankruptcy lawyer. ...
  • Family lawyer. ...
  • Tax attorney. ...
  • Corporate attorney. ...
  • Patent attorney.

How to become a lawyer step by step?

Steps to become a lawyer in California
  1. Get your bachelor's degree. ...
  2. Earn your law degree and pass the California state bar exam. ...
  3. Apply for admission to the State Bar of California. ...
  4. Gain hands-on experience in the field. ...
  5. Connect with potential clients.

Do lawyers need math?

One of the first questions that come up in Google relating to becoming a lawyer is the question “Do lawyers need to be good at maths?” The answer to this question is actually quite simple; no, you don't need to be good at mathematics. You do, however, need excellent analytical skills.

What subjects do I need to study law in Kenya?

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1) Be a holder of a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) with a mean grade of at least C+ (Plus) or its equivalent with a minimum grade B (Plain) in English or Kiswahili. 2) Be a holder of a Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (K.A.C.E) with at least three principal passes.

How difficult is law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Which subject is most important for law?

Any stream (Science, Commerce, or Humanities) can lead to a career in law. However, Humanities or Commerce might be particularly useful due to their emphasis on subjects like Economics, Business Studies, and Political Science, which are relevant to many areas of law.

How hard is the bar exam?

The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.

Which law pays the most?

What are the highest-paid types of lawyers? The highest-paid lawyers typically specialize in fields such as corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These areas command higher salaries due to the complexity, demand, and financial stakes involved.

Are you allowed a lawyer if you can t afford one in 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 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 easiest lawyer to become?

The easiest law to practice is often considered to be estate planning. This involves helping clients prepare for the distribution of their assets upon death or incapacitation, making it relatively straightforward compared to other legal fields.

Which law is best to study?

Here are 16 fruitful, promising areas of law for you to consider.
  1. Complex Litigation. This is an area of law that demands a lot of patience and incredible attention to detail. ...
  2. Corporate Law. ...
  3. Tax Law. ...
  4. Intellectual Property. ...
  5. Blockchain. ...
  6. Healthcare. ...
  7. Environmental. ...
  8. Criminal.

Which type of lawyer is best for girls?

Girls aspiring for an specialization degree may choose to be specialists in corporate law.

Do lawyers make 400 an hour?

Depending on their level of experience and the complexity of the case, attorneys charge between $100 and $400 per hour.

Can lawyers work from home?

Can a lawyer work remotely? While the answer depends on your practice area and what a typical day looks like for you, the short answer is “yes.” It should be possible to complete some or all of your legal work remotely, and even provide an excellent client experience while not in the office.

What skills do you need to be a lawyer?

Important Qualities
  • Analytical skills. Lawyers interpret the law as it applies to their client's case. ...
  • Communication skills. ...
  • Interpersonal skills. ...
  • Persuasion. ...
  • Problem-solving skills. ...
  • Research skills.