What Comes After LLB? Exploring Career Paths and Opportunities

Earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is a huge achievement and the result of years of dedication and commitment. However, for many graduates, completing this degree is just the beginning of their journey in the legal profession. As a result, the question of what to do next often appears important since there are several career paths and opportunities to consider. So, whether you aim to become an attorney, an advocate, or pursue an alternative path, planning your next steps is essential to building a successful and fulfilling career.

In this article, we will explore your question, ‘What comes after LLB?’. We will also discuss the traditional legal careers, postgraduate study options, skills to develop and tips to help you choose the right path for your goals.

Becoming a Legal Professional in South Africa

Pursuing a career as a legal professional in South Africa involves a clear and structured process guided by the Legal Practice Council (LPC). This council is responsible for regulating the training, admission, and conduct of both attorneys and advocates. Hence, as per LPC, candidates must earn an accredited LLB degree, complete practical vocational training and pass professional exams to qualify as legal professionals. So, while you explore what comes after LLB, you must know the essential steps to become a legal professional.

Below, we outline the steps to become an attorney and an advocate in South Africa:

Attorney Pathway

To qualify as an attorney in South Africa, candidates must meet specific academic, training, and examination requirements. Here are the essential steps to follow:

• Obtain an LLB Degree: Complete a four-year LLB degree from an accredited South African university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Complete Articles of Clerkship: Work as a candidate attorney for two years under the supervision of a qualified attorney at a registered law firm.
• Prepare for the Attorney’s Board Exams: Study and pass four board exam papers covering court procedures, administration of estates, legal ethics, and accounting.
• Admission to the High Court: Submit an ex parte application to the High Court for admission as an attorney. This includes presenting necessary documentation and meeting all age and residency requirements.

Also, read more about How to Become an Attorney in South Africa

Advocate Pathway 

Becoming an advocate in South Africa involves academic qualifications, practical mentorship, and passing the bar exam. If you are wondering what comes after LLB and are interested in becoming an advocate, you must know the steps to become one. They are as follows:

• Earn an LLB Degree: Achieve an LLB degree from a recognised institution, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria for further legal training.
• Complete Pupillage: Undergo one year of unpaid practical training (pupillage) under the guidance of an experienced advocate. This involves classroom learning and mentorship phases.
• Pass the Bar Examination: Successfully pass the National Bar Examination Board exam, which includes five competency-based papers on various aspects of law and practice.
• Admission to the Bar: Apply to the High Court for admission as an advocate, then register with the LPC and your preferred bar council or association to begin practising.

Find out How to Become an Advocate in South Africa

Postgraduate Study Options After an LLB

After completing an LLB degree, many legal professionals pursue further studies to specialise in specific areas of law or engage in advanced research. These postgraduate qualifications help deepen the legal expertise of aspirants and open doors to higher-level career opportunities. So, while wondering what comes after LLB, you must know about the postgraduate options. Below are the key postgraduate options available.

• Master of Laws (LLM):  The LLM is a postgraduate degree designed to provide advanced legal education. It focuses on improving a graduate’s understanding of complex legal principles. Typically, the programme involves coursework, research, or a combination of both and can be completed within one to two years.
• Doctor of Laws (LLD): The LLD is the highest academic qualification in law, aimed at those interested in advanced legal research and academia. For those who wonder what comes after LLB, you must know that this degree is suited for individuals who want to pursue careers as legal researchers, university lecturers, or policy developers. Candidates who complete this qualification engage in extensive analysis of complex legal issues and contribute to developing legal systems.

What are the Top Career Paths After an LLB?

After completing an LLB, you can pursue several career options in the legal field. Depending on your interests, you can choose to work in various sectors, including private practice, corporate environments, or public service. So, as you know what comes after LLB, understanding the career roles you can pursue after graduation is crucial. 

 Below are some career options available to LLB graduates:

• Corporate Legal Adviser
• Litigation Lawyer
• Legal Advisor
• Legal Analyst
• Academician/Researcher
• Legal Writer/Journalist
• Mediator
• Arbitrator

Explore What Jobs You Can Do with an LLB Degree

How to Gain Practical Experience After LLB?

Gaining practical experience after completing an LLB is key to building a successful legal career. While the academic knowledge gained during the LLB is important, hands-on experience helps law graduates apply what they have learned in real-life situations. It also makes them more appealing to potential employers. So, when you wonder what comes after LLB, you must know that you can gain valuable experience through the following options:

• Articles of Clerkship for Attorneys: This formal training period involves working under a qualified attorney’s supervision. It is a required step to becoming an attorney in South Africa. During this time, the graduates learn the practical aspects of legal work, such as drafting documents and assisting with court cases.
• Internships in Government and Corporate Sectors: Internships in government or corporate sectors offer valuable insight into how the law functions in public and business settings. Graduates gain experience in areas like regulatory compliance and corporate governance, enhancing their understanding of legal operations in large organisations.
• Volunteering in Legal Aid Organisations: Volunteering with legal aid organisations lets graduates help those who cannot afford legal representation. It provides hands-on experience in casework, legal research, and client interaction while also contributing to the community.

Specialisations in Law After LLB

Specialising in law allows law aspirants to focus on areas that align with their interests and career goals. It allows law professionals to develop expertise in a specific field, making them more competitive in their careers. It also gives them access to more targeted job opportunities, leading to greater job satisfaction. 

Hence, if you are wondering what comes after LLB and have a keen interest in a specific area of law, you can specialise in the following fields:

• Corporate Law
• Criminal Law
• International Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Human Rights Law
• Environmental Law
• Family Law
• Taxation Law
• Labor and Employment Law

Also, read more about ‘Exploring the Different Specialisations in Bachelor of Laws (LLB)’

Essential Skills to Develop After Completing an LLB

Once you complete an LLB, it is important for law aspirants to develop key skills that will help them stand out in a competitive job market and open up various opportunities. These skills will help you improve your professional ability and prepare you to handle the challenges of the legal field. So, you must also know the key skills to develop as you explore the options of what comes after LLB. 

Here are some important skills you can have after LLB degree: 

• Ability to conduct detailed research and analyse complex information.
• Spotting inconsistencies and errors in legal documents or cases.
• Managing client records, documents, and schedules effectively.
• Ability to use convincing arguments to influence clients, colleagues, and judges.
• Efficiently managing time for client meetings, research, and paperwork.
• Clear and effective writing skills for legal documents, reports, and letters.
• Knowledge of current business and legal trends affecting the corporate world.
• Finding innovative solutions for complex legal challenges.
• Being flexible and open to new challenges and changes in the legal profession.

Tips for Choosing the Right Path After LLB

Choosing the right career path after completing an LLB is an important decision that will influence your professional growth and opportunities. With the legal field offering a wide range of career options and specialisations after LLB, it is essential to follow certain strategies to choose the career path. So, to help you find the right answer to the question, ‘What comes after LLB?’, we have highlighted some practical tips. They are as follows:

• Reflect on your personal interests and the areas of law that excite you the most.
• Identify your strengths, such as communication, research, or problem-solving, to help you choose a suitable specialisation.
• Explore different career options available to LLB graduates, from litigation to corporate law and legal advising.
• Gain hands-on experience through internships or placements to better understand various roles in the legal sector.
• Pursue further qualifications or certifications to enhance your knowledge in a specific area of law.
• Research niche fields such as intellectual property or environmental law to identify potential specialisations.
• Build connections within the legal community by attending networking events and online forums.
• Seek advice from experienced professionals or mentors to gain insights into various career paths.
• Engage in continuous professional development through seminars, workshops, or further studies to remain competitive in the field.

Also, check out the Effective Study Strategies for LLB students

Conclusion

Completing your LLB is the beginning of an exciting career in law. However, when you have decided on what comes after LLB, it is important in shaping your future. Whether you want to become an attorney, advocate, or specialise in a certain area of law, it is essential to think about your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Besides, you must gain practical experience and further your education to stay competitive in the legal field. However, remember, the legal field is vast and offers numerous opportunities. Therefore, take your time to explore your options and choose a path that aligns with both your professional ambitions and personal values.

If you are planning to start your career in law, enrol in Regenesys’s Bachelor of Laws programme. Gain the essential knowledge, skills, and expertise to excel in the legal profession. Apply today!

FAQs: What Comes After LLB? Exploring Career Paths and Opportunities