Which law degree is in demand in South Africa?

What type of law degree makes the most money?

What Are the Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs with a Law Degree?

• Corporate Lawyer. Corporate lawyers advise businesses on their legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations. ...
• Intellectual Property Lawyer. ...
• Barrister. ...
• Judge. ...
• Law Firm Partner. ...
• Legal Consultant. ...
• Oil and Gas Lawyer. ...
• Tax Lawyer.

Who are the Magic 5 lawyers?

The "Magic Circle" refers to five prestigious, London-headquartered law firms known for corporate law and high revenue: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. Coined by journalists in the 1990s, the term identifies these elite firms for their global reach, high-profile work, and significant financial success in the legal sector.
 

What are lawyers called in South Africa?

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 is the wealthiest type of lawyer?

The richest types of lawyers are often specialists in high-stakes fields like Corporate Law, Intellectual Property (IP) & Patent Law, and Medical Malpractice/Personal Injury, especially those with science backgrounds or who handle massive litigation, with top earners often found in BigLaw or as successful plaintiffs' attorneys. While IP lawyers (especially patent attorneys with STEM degrees) command high fees for complex inventions, large corporate mergers, or complex personal injury settlements, overall wealth can also come from strategic business investments or big-ticket litigation.
 

What is the difference between a JD and LLM?

While a JD program provides the foundational knowledge you need to practice law, an LLM allows you to specialize in your specific area of interest and distinguish yourself in the legal market.

Which is the easiest law to study?

The "easiest" law to study depends on your strengths, but Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Traffic Law are often cited as less stressful due to predictable paperwork and fewer adversarial court battles, while a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) offers a faster, non-attorney path into legal concepts for professionals. For those pursuing a JD, transactional areas like corporate or IP law are less litigious, but constitutional law, tax, and evidence are often seen as tougher. 

What are the top 10 careers in demand in South Africa?

The top careers in South Africa for 2025 include Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Medical Services, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sciences, Finance and Financial Technology (FinTech), Education and E-Learning, Engineering and Construction, Marketing and Digital Marketing, and Logistics ...

Is there a shortage of advocates in South Africa?

The paper concludes that there are not enough lawyers in the country at present to provide access to justice in the narrow sense, and suggests how this shortage can be overcome by using mechanisms that provide alternatives to lawyers.

What can you do with a law degree besides be a lawyer in South Africa?

Be at the forefront of legal innovation in roles like legal operations manager, policy advisor, or legaltech developer. Carve out unique opportunities in sectors such as corporate, government, non-profits, and startups. Use your legal knowledge to launch entrepreneurial ventures in legaltech.

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)

Which field of LLB is best?

• ADVOCATE : - Out of the many opportunities after LLB, advocacy is the most recognized profession chosen by LLB graduates. ...
• LEGAL ADVISOR : - A legal advisor is a highly sought after profession. ...
• TEACHER : - ...
• LEGAL ANALYST : - ...
• LEGAL RESEARCHER : - ...
• GOVERNMENT SERVICES : - ...
• CORPORATE COUNSELLOR : - ...
• COMPANY SECRETARY : -

How to make $500,000 a year as a lawyer?

To earn $500,000 a year as a lawyer, you need a strategic combination of specializing in high-paying fields (like corporate, IP, or plaintiff-side personal injury/class action), mastering business development through robust lead generation (SEO, PPC, referrals), and potentially moving into leadership roles like Big Law equity partner or becoming a renowned expert/mediator in a niche, leveraging strong marketing and scalable firm operations rather than just billable hours. 

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.

Who are the big 5 lawyers?

"Big 5" law firms usually refers to the top firms by revenue/size, often led by Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, with others like DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, and A&O Shearman frequently in the top ranks globally, though specific lists vary, sometimes including firms like Skadden, Sidley Austin, or the UK's "Magic Circle" (A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, etc.). The exact "Big 5" changes depending on whether you're looking at US-specific, global, headcount, or revenue metrics, but the consistent leaders are Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins.
 

What is the lowest paid lawyer?

There's no single "minimum" lawyer salary, as it varies wildly from $50,000 in public interest to over $200,000 for first-year associates at Big Law firms, depending heavily on location (big cities pay more), firm size (Big Law pays much more), and specialization (corporate/IP pay more than family law or non-profit work). Entry-level salaries in public service often start around $50k-$70k, while large private firms in major markets can offer $200k+ right out of law school.
 

What is the most feared law firm in the US?

Quinn Emanuel has once again secured its position as the foremost "most feared" law firm in BTI Consulting Group's 2025 "Most Feared Law Firms in Litigation" guide. This latest accolade signifies the firm's third consecutive year at the top and its fifth overall.

Who are the 7 sisters law firms?

In the Canadian legal market, the 'Seven Sisters', leading Bay Street Toronto, Ontario corporate firms, continue to dominate the marketplace. They are Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Goodmans LLP, McCarthy Tétrault, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Stikeman Elliott LLP and Torys.