Where can I study family law in South Africa?
Asked by: Miss Haylie Cole II | Last update: March 2, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (40 votes)
You can study family law in South Africa through various universities for degrees (like UNISA, UWC, UCT, Stellenbosch, Wits), offering LLMs and modules in family law, or through specialized legal training providers like Regenesys Law School, LEAD, Crane International Academy, and Regent Business School for professional certificates and skills, focusing on foundational knowledge, ethics, and practical skills in areas like divorce, custody, and adoption.
How long does it take to study family law in South Africa?
On average, it takes about 6 to 7 years: 3 years for a BCom in Law (or another undergraduate qualification) 2 years for the LLB (if done as a postgraduate programme) 1–2 years of articles and practical legal training.
How to become a family lawyer in South Africa?
Family lawyers must hold a recognized law degree and be admitted as attorneys in South Africa. At Burger Huyser Attorneys, all family law specialists possess extensive legal education and have completed the necessary articles of clerkship and professional exams.
Is family law in demand in South Africa?
Demand for family law attorneys is high in South Africa as families seek help with personal legal matters.
What degree is best for family law?
There's no single "best" undergraduate degree for family law; instead, focus on majors that build strong critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, like Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, History, or English, as these provide a solid foundation for understanding complex human dynamics and legal concepts, but excelling in any major with a high GPA is key for law school admission. A joint JD/MSW (Master of Social Work) is also a powerful option for interdisciplinary understanding.
Family Law Round Up | April 2025 | Key South African Cases & Legal Developments
How much does a family lawyer earn in SA?
An entry level family law attorney (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of R370,499. On the other end, a senior level family law attorney (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of R669,959.
Is family law hard to study?
They handle matters including divorce, child custody and domestic violence. Family law is a fascinating field that requires compassion and problem-solving skills. The path to becoming a family law attorney isn't easy, but it can be a rewarding career.
What jobs pay r100,000 a month in South Africa?
r100 000 per month jobs
- Luxury Safari Travel Consultant - South Africa Specialist | Fully Remote. ...
- Team alignment & conflict mediation facilitator. ...
- South Africa - Senior Luxury Safari Sales Consultant | FULLY REMOTE. ...
- Director of Technology and Innovation (100% Remote Work in South Africa)
Can a foreigner be a lawyer 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.
Which law school is best for family law?
Details About Each Top Family Law Program in the US
- Harvard Law School. ...
- Columbia Law School. ...
- DePaul University College of Law. ...
- Indiana University Maurer School of Law. ...
- NYU School of Law. ...
- UMichigan Law School. ...
- Maurice A. ...
- Drake University Law School.
What kind of lawyer makes the most money 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.
Which course is best for a family lawyer?
Family Law Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process
- An LLB degree, either a 3-year LLB or a 5-year integrated LLB (BA LLB, BSc LLB, BCom LLB, BBA LLB, etc.).
- With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized university.
- AIBE marks can be required for the Certificate of Practice (COP).
Which is better 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB?
Choosing between the two depends on your current educational background, career aspirations, and personal preferences. If you have already completed an undergraduate degree, the 3-year LLB might be the best option. However, if you are sure about a career in law early on, the 5-year program could be more beneficial.
What is the quickest law degree to get?
The fastest ways to get a law degree involve accelerated Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs, like two-year J.D.s (e.g., Southwestern Law's SCALE) or combined 3+3 programs with undergrads, letting you finish in as little as 3-6 years total (including undergrad), while specialized, non-traditional routes in California might technically offer faster paths but are difficult. For a quicker master's in law, Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programs can be completed in about 12 months, but these don't qualify you to be a practicing lawyer.
Can you become a lawyer without going to law school 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.
What kind of lawyer is in demand in South Africa?
Researchers and lobbyists are in demand and many law graduates who are committed to the transformation of South African society work in organisations such as IDASA and NICRO, Legal Resources Centre, Lawyers for Human Rights, Trade Unions, and the Women's Legal Centre.
How old is the youngest lawyer?
The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
What's the easiest law to practice?
The "easiest" law to practice often points to Estate Planning, due to less courtroom drama, predictable work (wills, trusts), steady client demand (aging population), and good work-life balance with fewer late nights, though some find the topic of death difficult; Real Estate Law is also cited for its paperwork focus, contract work, and milestone closings; while transactional law fields like Corporate or IP law offer less litigation stress than, say, criminal law.
What sells fast in South Africa?
- Best Selling Products in South Africa – How To Find Product Ideas. So how did we build this list of best selling products in South Africa, and how can you find more ideas on your side? ...
- Laptops. Search volume per month in South Africa: 49,500. ...
- Phones and Phone Accessories. ...
- Tablets. ...
- Smart Watches. ...
- Shoes. ...
- Jewelry. ...
- Headphones.
What is the easiest job but pays good?
The "easiest" high-paying jobs often involve leveraging existing skills in sales (insurance broker, real estate agent), tech (virtual assistant, remote IT support), skilled trades (electrician, HVAC technician), or by focusing on deliverables in remote roles, but ease is subjective; roles like massage therapist, claims adjuster, or social media manager offer good pay with less traditional academic requirements or physical strain for some, while sales/commission-based roles can offer high income once established.
How can I make $500,000 a year?
13 jobs that can pay over $500k a year
- Actor.
- Author.
- Accountant.
- Insurance agent.
- Investment banker.
- Professional athlete.
- Entrepreneur.
- Hedge fund manager.
What is the best degree for family law?
If you know right out of law school that you want to specialize in family law, getting a Masters of Law (LLM) or post-JD degree can be a wise decision. This will help set you apart from the competition by providing you with an understanding of the field.
Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?
Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.