Advocate vs Attorney: Exploring The Roles, Qualifications, Salaries and More

In South Africa, as you enter the legal profession, you will find two highly regarded roles: advocates and attorneys. Both these professionals play essential roles in the legal system. However, they have distinct responsibilities and areas of expertise. In other words, each role serves specific functions in legal proceedings. Hence, whether you are seeking legal representation or considering a career in law, understanding the differences between advocates and attorneys is crucial. This will help you make all the difference in your legal outcomes or career journey. 

In this article, we will discuss the landscape of Advocate vs Attorney, exploring their roles, qualifications, salary potential, differences, and more.

What is an Advocate?

In South Africa, an advocate is a legal professional specialising in courtroom advocacy. They have the right to represent clients in all courts, including tribunals where legal representation is allowed. Further, they are experts in trial proceedings, crafting legal arguments and presenting cases before judges. 

When we explore the debate of Advocate vs Attorney, you must know that, unlike attorneys, advocates do not have direct, ongoing relationships with clients. On the other hand, they are briefed by attorneys to represent clients in specific legal matters. 

In short, advocates focus exclusively on the advocacy aspect of the law, ensuring effective representation in court.

What is an Attorney?

An attorney is a legal professional who provides a wide range of legal services, including legal advice, document drafting, and representation in various legal matters. They have direct, ongoing relationships with clients, guiding them through the legal process from start to finish. They may also specialise in areas like conveyancing and notarial practice.

Unlike advocates, attorneys handle client interactions, manage trust funds, and may practice in partnerships. Hence, when exploring the debate of Advocate vs Attorney, you must know that attorneys are versatile legal professionals who manage a broad spectrum of legal matters and maintain direct client relationships.

Difference Between Advocate and Attorney

While both professionals are essential to the legal system and often collaborate to serve clients effectively, their roles, qualifications, and responsibilities differ. Hence, it is essential to understand the Attorney vs Advocate difference as given in the table below.

Similarities between Advocate and Attorney

Although advocates and attorneys in South Africa serve distinct roles within the legal system, they share several similarities that highlight their professional connections. As you try to understand the Advocate vs Attorney landscape, you must know the main similarities between advocates and attorneys:

• Both are qualified to appear in court, represent clients, present arguments, and examine witnesses during legal proceedings.
• Both can specialise in specific areas of law, such as criminal, civil, tax, or labour law, allowing them to develop expertise in their chosen fields.
• Both must adhere to strict codes of professional ethics, ensuring they uphold high standards of integrity.
• Both engage in continuous professional development through seminars, workshops, and other training to stay updated with legal best practices. 

When to Hire an Advocate vs an Attorney?

Choosing between an advocate vs attorney in South Africa depends on the specifics of one’s legal situation and the type of expertise required. Here is a guide that highlights when to hire each professional:

When to Hire an Advocate: 

Here are the circumstances that show when one can hire an advocate:

• For serious criminal charges or complex civil disputes
• For presenting arguments and handling complex litigation in court trials
• For specialised legal advice and strategic court preparation.

When to Hire an Attorney:

The following are the legal situation when you hire an attorney:

• Initial legal advice and understanding of rights.
• Drafting legal documents or filing paperwork.
• Handling straightforward issues such as minor disputes or family law matters.

How to Choose Between an Advocate and an Attorney?

Selecting an advocate or an attorney depends on the specific needs of one’s case. Hence, while you try to understand the landscape of advocate vs attorney, you must know when individuals approach an advocate or an attorney for their case. Given below is a guide that helps one to make the decision:

• Complexity of the Case: Choose an advocate for complex or high-stakes matters requiring expert courtroom skills. Choose an attorney for straightforward issues and minor law disputes.
• Nature of the Case: Consider employing an advocate for cases involving litigation and trial representation. An attorney is a suitable choice for a broader range of legal tasks, including advice and document drafting.
• Stage of Legal Process: An attorney is ideal for initial consultations and document preparation. An advocate is needed for cases that advance to trial.
• Direct Interaction: Choose an attorney for personal client management and direct interaction. Advocates typically work through attorneys and have less direct client contact.

Also, explore the different types of lawyers in South Africa.

Advocate vs Attorney: Essential Qualification Required

As you explore the debate of advocate vs attorney, understanding the qualifications required to become an advocate or an attorney is crucial. While both roles require a strong legal foundation, their training and specialisation differ. So, below, we have given an overview of the educational qualifications required for becoming an advocate and an attorney:

Becoming an Attorney:

The following are the key educational requirements you must have to pursue a career as an attorney:

• Complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognised South African university.
• Secure Articles of Clerkship at a law firm for two years OR
• Complete practical legal training with the Law Society of South Africa, followed by one year of articles.
• Attend special classes and pass four board exams toward the end of articles.

Becoming an Advocate:

Here are the educational qualifications you need to meet to become an advocate:

• Complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
• Enrol in a year-long apprenticeship called ‘pupillage’ with the Society of Advocates at the relevant Bar.
•  Pass the National Bar Examination after completing pupillage.

Know how many years to study law in South Africa

Advocate vs Attorney: Job Roles

When you understand the landscape of advocate vs attorney, you must know their job roles and responsibilities. Though both these professions are important for legal proceedings, they have distinct duties and responsibilities. Let us take a look at the table to understand the job roles of advocate and attorney:

Advocate vs Attorney Salary

As of August 2024, the average salary for an attorney in South Africa was around R126,816 per year. Attorneys typically start with a stable salary that can increase steadily with experience and seniority.

On the other hand, advocates often begin with variable earnings that depend on the number of cases they handle. While new advocates may earn less initially, their potential for higher income grows as they gain experience and establish a strong reputation in their field.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinct roles and responsibilities of advocates and attorneys is essential for you to pursue a legal career. Attorneys provide broad legal services, including advice, document drafting, and client representation. On the other hand, Advocates specialise in courtroom advocacy and are usually briefed by attorneys for litigation. Hence, while both professions are integral to the legal landscape, they serve different functions and require different qualifications. In this article, we have provided in-depth details on the educational qualifications and job roles of both professions. We hope you have gained insights into the advocate vs. attorney landscape and understood their similarities and differences.

So, if you are interested in pursuing a career in law and want to build a strong foundation, consider enroling in the Regenesys Law School’s Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme. Apply now!

Advocate vs Attorney – FAQs