Pursuing a legal profession in South Africa requires dedication, education, and hands-on training. Attorneys are essential to the legal system, providing crucial services like legal advice, document drafting, and client representation in court. To become an attorney, you must earn a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognised university, pass four board exams, complete two years of practical training under a qualified lawyer, and undergo compulsory Practical Vocational Training.
Additionally, all aspiring attorneys must pass a competency-based examination by the Legal Practice Council. Only after fulfilling these academic and practical requirements can a candidate be officially admitted as an attorney in South Africa, governed by the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014.
In this article, we will explore the steps to answering the question, ‘How to become an Attorney in South Africa’. We will guide you through everything from choosing the right undergraduate degree to the final admission process.
Table of Contents
What Does an Attorney Do?
Attorneys play a crucial role in the legal system, offering a range of services to help their clients handle legal issues. They manage legal work that requires both expertise and strategic thinking. Hence, when you learn how to become an attorney in South Africa, you must know what an attorney does. Here is an overview of the duties that attorneys typically perform:
- Provide legal advice to clients, explaining complex legal issues and guiding them through their options during legal proceedings.
- Conduct thorough case research, including investigating details like police and accident reports.
- Perform legal research by studying applicable laws and previous court rulings.
- Prepare case materials for trial, including drafting pleadings, contracts, deeds and other essential legal documents.
Difference Between an Attorney and an Advocate
The roles of an advocate and attorney are well-known in the legal industry in South Africa. Hence, as you learn how to become an attorney in South Africa, it is essential to understand the difference between an attorney and an advocate. In the table given below, you will find a concise comparison of their qualifications, roles, and work environments:
|
Aspects |
Attorney |
Advocate |
|
Role |
Provides legal advice and handles client matters. |
Represents clients in court, arguing cases before judges and magistrates. |
|
Specialisation |
Specialise in areas like tax law, labour law, intellectual property law, etc. |
Specialises in areas like criminal law, civil law, commercial law, etc., focusing on court cases. |
|
Client Interaction |
Directly consults with and advises clients, drafting and reviewing legal documents. |
Receives instructions from attorneys and typically has limited direct interaction with clients. |
|
Workplace Setting |
Law firms, in-house, or government. |
Works independently, often in specific law areas. |
How to Obtain a Relevant Undergraduate Degree?
As you understand how to become an attorney in South Africa, you must know that the most direct path is obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. This programme provides learners with the foundational legal knowledge and skills required to become attorneys. You can enrol in this programme from Regenesys Law School to get a holistic education that equips learners with the theories and methodologies of the legal discipline.
If you opt not to enrol directly in an LLB programme, you can look for alternative pathways, including a BCom Law or BA Law degree. However, these programmes do not qualify you to practice law independently. That means these programmes serve as an excellent foundation for entering an LLB programme.
Find out the requirements for getting into law schools in South Africa.
Completing Your Law Degree To Become an Attorney
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme is a four-year programme that provides the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the legal profession. With Regenesys Law School, you will get access to a well-structured curriculum that equips you with the fundamental expertise to become an attorney. Hence, when you try to understand how to become an attorney in South Africa, you should explore the subjects and modules this programme offers.
Here is an overview of the modules you will find in this four-year programme:
- Constitutional Law
- Jurisprudence
- Law of Contract
- Law of Succession
- Legal Interpretation
- Legal Pluralism
- Patent and Copyright Law
- International Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Administrative Law
- Introduction to Tax Law
- Criminal Law
- Labour Law
Practical Legal Training to Become an Attorney
While trying to understand how to become an Attorney in South Africa, practical legal training is a crucial step. Here is a brief overview of how you can get practical training for your legal career:
- Work as a Candidate Attorney: After earning your LLB degree, you will work as a candidate attorney under a two-year practical vocational training (PVT) contract at an approved law firm or institution.
- Complete Articles of Clerkship: This is a mandatory two-year training period where you gain hands-on legal experience under the supervision of a qualified attorney. Your principal, who could be a practising lawyer or a partner at a law firm, is responsible for filing necessary paperwork with the Legal Practice Council (LPC).
- Meet PLT Requirements: During your articles, you must complete a structured PLT programme consisting of at least 150 notional hours. This coursework is essential for your practical training.
Essential Subjects Required to Prepare for the Attorneys’ Admission Exam
As you understand how to become an Attorney in South Africa, you must know that passing the Attorneys’ Admission Exam is a crucial milestone. These exams are designed to assess your understanding of various aspects of legal practice and ensure you are fully prepared for the professional demands of becoming an attorney. Here are the four distinct subjects covered in the board exams:
- Court Procedures
- Administration of Estates
- Attorney’s Practice (Ethics)
- Accounting
How Do You Get Admission as an Attorney?
Once you have fulfilled the educational and training requirements, the next step is to apply for admission as an attorney. When you successfully gain admission as an attorney in South Africa, you can position yourself for a rewarding career in the legal profession. So, as you learn how to become an attorney in South Africa, you should know the steps to get admission, which are given below:
- Step 1: Submit an application to the High Court for admission and enrolment as an attorney. The court will review your application to ensure you meet all the requirements outlined in Section 26 of the Legal Practice Act.
- Step 2: Send a copy of your application to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) along with the required information. The LPC regulates the profession and ensures that all candidates meet the professional standards for admission.
By completing these steps on how to become an attorney in South Africa, you will be on your way to becoming a registered attorney and advancing your career in the legal field.
Career Opportunities and Specialisations
In South Africa, attorneys will find a range of career paths and specialisations. Hence, when you try to understand how to become an attorney in South Africa, you must know about the career opportunities and specialisations. The following are the top specialised law-related career fields:
- Corporate Law
- Family Law
- Environmental Law
- Civil and Political Rights
- Cyber Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Tax Law
Essential Tips for Aspiring Attorneys
Whether you are preparing for law school or looking to enhance your current practice, adopting effective strategies can help you achieve success. So, while learning how to become an attorney in South Africa, you must try to follow some of the essential tips like:
- Establish a consistent study schedule with manageable chunks and focus on understanding concepts rather than memorisation.
- Seek internships, clerkships, and volunteer opportunities to apply classroom knowledge and build a professional network.
- Network with peers and professors, as well as practising lawyers, to gain mentorship, job opportunities, and career insights.
- Enhance your ability to draft clear and persuasive legal documents through focused coursework and practice.
- Keep up with current legal developments and trends by reading legal journals and news articles.
Also, explore our article on beginners guide for law students
Conclusion
Becoming an Attorney in South Africa requires a blend of academic achievement, practical experience, and continuous professional development. Attorneys are critical to the legal system because their role encompasses responsibilities such as providing legal advice and preparing essential legal documents. However, to become an attorney, you will have to complete several key steps, starting from earning an LLB degree to passing the Attorneys’ Admission Exams and registering with the Legal Practice Council. In this article, we have given a detailed overview of how to become an Attorney in South Africa, exploring the educational programmes, career opportunities and essential tips.
Enrol in Regenesys Law School’s Bachelor of Law programme to start your career as an Attorney. You will get a well-structured curriculum and highly experienced faculties to guide you towards a successful career. Apply today!
How To Become An Attorney In South Africa? – FAQs
What is the first step to becoming an attorney in South Africa?
To become an attorney in South Africa, the first step is to earn a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognised university. This foundational degree provides the essential legal knowledge required for further training.
How long does it take to complete an LLB degree?
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree typically takes four years to complete. This program includes comprehensive coursework in various areas of law, preparing students for the legal profession.
What are the requirements for admission as an attorney in South Africa?
As you understand how to become an attorney in South Africa, you must complete your LLB degree, undergo Practical Vocational Training, pass the Attorneys’ Admission Exams, and register with the Legal Practice Council.
How do I become an admitted attorney in South Africa?
To become an admitted attorney in South Africa, you need to complete your LLB degree, fulfil two years of Practical Vocational Training, pass the Attorneys’ Admission Exams, and then apply to the High Court for admission. Afterwards, you must register with the Legal Practice Council and comply with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
What career opportunities are available for attorneys in South Africa?
Attorneys in South Africa can pursue various career paths and specialisations, including Corporate Law, Family Law, Environmental Law, Civil and Political Rights, Cyber Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Tax Law.
