Legal advisers are in-house lawyers for large companies or organisations and help draft documents and resolve disputes. They can also be hired to work for the government to guide them in international law and compliance matters.
Many legal advisers in South Africa previously worked as attorneys or advocates to gain experience and a practical understanding of the law. Therefore, all legal advisers attend law school and camplete training to become attorneys or advocates before transitioning into the role of a Legal Adviser.
In this article, we will cover the education and skills required to become a Legal Adviser, their responsibilities, and how to become a Legal Adviser in South Africa.
Table of Contents
Legal Adviser vs Lawyer
A lawyer is a general term used to describe an individual licensed to practice law. It can refer to both attorneys and advocates in South Africa. The main difference between a legal adviser and a lawyer is that legal advisers work for a single company or corporation, while lawyers have multiple clients.
While a legal adviser can represent their organisation in court, they primarily provide legal advice that aligns with the objectives of an organisation. They help to oversee contracts, resolve negotiation disputes, prepare documents, and ensure compliance. Legal advisers can work in various sectors, such as healthcare or government.
If students are curious to learn how to become a Legal Adviser, they can follow the same educational path as an attorney or advocate. The table below will help to differentiate between a legal adviser and a lawyer:
| Criteria | Legal Adviser | Lawyer |
| Role | Provides legal advice | Provides advice and represents clients in court |
| Employment | Hired to work for a corporation, organisation, or government | Works for law firms or has an independent practice |
| Client Representation | Typically does not represent clients in court | Can represent clients in court |
| Specialisation | Handling the company’s legal responsibilities -usually focused on managing risk and compliance Varies depending on the sector | Criminal, corporate, family, human rights, etc. |
Explore Understanding The Types of Lawyers in South Africa
How to Become a Legal Adviser in South Africa?
All legal advisers need to be proficient in their understanding of the law. Therefore, the first step in how to become a legal adviser in South Africa is to complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an accredited university. Law degrees in South Africa usually take four years to complete.
Most companies look to hire legal advisers who have several years of experience. Therefore, law graduates must practice as either an attorney or an advocate before seeking Legal Adviser positions in government or the corporate sector.
The table below lists the two paths to help individuals become Legal Adviser.
| Attorney | Advocate |
| Complete LLBComplete 2 years of practical training under a qualified lawyerComplete Practical Legal Training (PLT)Pass board examsPass a competency-based examination by the Legal Practice CouncilApply to the High Court to be included on the “roll” of advocates | Complete LLBComplete one year of pupillage under an experienced attorneyPrepare and pass the Bar ExamApply to the High Court for Admission into the professionEnrol in the Legal Practice CouncilApply to a BarBecome a practicing advocate |
Once individuals have gained the right to practice law, they can gain experience by working for law firms or by joining private or public sector companies as junior counsel. As lawyers gain experience, they can also develop a niche, which can be beneficial when they seek employment as legal advisers.
For those who are wondering how to become a Legal Adviser, there is no specific Legal Adviser degree that needs to be studied. However, lawyers considering applying for Legal Adviser positions can complete specialised courses. These include Medico-Legal, Compliance Management, Software Law, Risk Management, etc.
Read more on Advocate vs Attorney: Differences and Similarities here
Roles and Responsibilities
A Legal Adviser oversees the legal departments of large corporations and organisations. They are experienced professionals who are experts in the law and compliance regulations of the sector in which they are operating.
In their role, legal advisers offer advice that aligns with organisational objectives and helps to foster growth and profitability. They also help to resolve external disputes and ensure that the organisation follows compliance procedures in all departments.
While students are exploring how to become a Legal Adviser, they should also understand a legal adviser’s responsibilities. They are as follows:
- Providing legal advice: The primary goal of a legal adviser is to provide advice that helps companies manage risk. This advice can be related to financial regulation, mergers or contracts.
- Drafting legal documents: They help to draft and review legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and policies that benefit the organisation. These documents should help to manage any potential liabilities.
- Risk management: An adviser also helps to study the various risk factors that can negatively impact a corporation. They manage this by reviewing company processes and if they are compliant with regulations. This could be for patents, copyright infringement, labour, taxation, etc.
- Corporate Governance: They work with senior management to ensure that the company is upholding everyone’s rights and following proper procedures. This helps to manage the interests of the shareholders, consumers, employees, and the community.
- Internal training: Legal Advisers are also responsible for guiding and training their team. They also help oversee that all company employees understand their ethical responsibilities.
What are the Skills Required for Legal Advisers?
Since legal advisers work in complex business environments, they need a combination of legal expertise and skills to succeed. This is primarily why companies prefer hiring legal advisers with experience as practising attorneys or advocates.
Many influential positions, such as for government departments, might require candidates to have prior experience in the same role. These are some skills that are essential to succeeding as a legal adviser in South Africa.
While a theoretical understanding of the law is important, students who wish to learn how to become a Legal Adviser, must also work towards acquiring soft skills. Listed below are some skills that are beneficial for a career as a Legal Adviser:
1. Legal knowledge
This is the most important legal adviser skill since it is fundamental to practising law in any country. Depending on the industry, they can specialise in Construction Law, Finance Law, Medical Law, etc.
2. Analytical
They must be analyse given information to determine any legal problems or complications. Legal advisers must critically review contracts and merger documents, so there are no loopholes or errors.
3. Communication
A Legal Adviser needs to be a strong written and verbal communicator. These skills are important in drafting and reviewing documents and communicating legal concepts to stakeholders.
4. Organisation and Time Management
While these are two separate skills, they usually go hand in hand. Legal advisers work on multiple tasks, therefore, it is important for them to learn to stay organised. If they do this, they can meet deadlines while maintaining the quality of their work.
5. Research
This skill is essential when it comes to practising law. Lawyers need to be able to research and examine past cases and court orders and understand how it could benefit them.
Negotiation: When working for corporations, legal advisers often interact with the in-house counsel of suppliers or business partners. Negotiation skills help legal advisers manage contracts and resolve disputes.
Explore What Comes After LLB? Career Paths & Study Options
What Does a Legal Adviser Do on a Daily Basis?
The day of a Legal Adviser varies depending on the tasks they oversee and the stage of those tasks. Their days can involve high-powered negotiations, brokering contracts, and avoiding litigation. One of the best ways an interested student can learn how to become a Legal Adviser, is by completing an internship under a seasoned practitioner.
For example, if a company is completing a merger, a Legal Adviser can have hectic days spent negotiating, reviewing and finalising contracts and assessing technology management. They would also be engaged in meetings with their team and upper management to ensure they evaluated all aspects of the merger.
Listed below are some of the legal adviser’s duties:
- Attending internal meetings
- Drafting contracts
- Reviewing documents
- Managing disputes
- Researching related to current projects
- Managing risk
- Providing training
Conclusion
A Legal Adviser guides organisations and helps them navigate complex legal challenges. Unlike lawyers who serve multiple clients, legal advisers work in-house. They help to manage legal compliance and risks, draft contracts, and resolve disputes. If students are wondering how to become a legal adviser in South Africa, the first step is to complete an LLB degree. After that, they must follow the path to becoming a practising attorney or advocate. After they gain experience, they can apply for a Legal Adviser position.
Legal advisers must be proficient in their understanding of the law. But at the same time, they must also be analytical thinkers, good communicators, and skilled negotiators. Their role is critical in ensuring that companies or government bodies function within the boundaries of the law, avoid legal issues, and achieve their strategic goals.
Students interested in a career as a Legal Adviser can begin their journey at Regenesys’School of Law. Visit the website today for complete programme details and the application form. The deadline for undergraduate admissions is 3 February 2025.
How to Become a Legal Adviser in South Africa? – FAQs
What is a legal adviser?
The Legal Adviser definition maintains that they work within a company or organisation to advice and guide them on all legal matters.
What is the legal adviser qualifications in South Africa?
The educational qualifications are the same as attorneys and advocates. All legal advisers must complete an LLB, and be practising lawyers.
Are there any legal adviser courses in South Africa?
There are no specific legal adviser degree or course in South Africa. Lawyers can, however, complete short courses to seek additional knowledge about a particular sector.
What are some legal adviser skills?
Legal advisers must be skilled negotiators, communicators, and risk managers. They should also have a strong understanding of the law.
Do legal advisers work in court?
While a Legal Adviser can represent their organisation in court if necessary, their primary responsibility is to provide legal advice and guidance.
How to become a Legal Adviser in South Africa?
Students should complete their LLB and follow the path to becoming a practising attorney or advocate. They can complete a Masters of Law (LLM) or undertake short courses before becoming a Legal Adviser.
What sectors do legal advisers work in?
Legal advisers can work in various sectors, including corporate, healthcare, government, finance, education, etc. The role adapts to the legal needs of the industry they serve.
What are the legal adviser requirements in South Africa?
Most companies require legal advisers to have some years of experience as a practising lawyer. Some might even require them to have experience in a similar role.
