An LLB degree (Bachelor of Laws degree, or Legum Baccalaureus) is an incredibly versatile and prestigious higher qualification that can open doors to a wide range of careers. From working as a traditional lawyer in a law firm or in-house legal department, to pursuing a career in business, finance, politics, or academia, the jobs you can land with an LLB degree are diverse and varied – in fact, almost endless.
In this article, we will help you find the answer to ‘What jobs can you do with an LLB?’. We will explore some of the most popular and rewarding career opportunities you can pursue once you have graduated with your LLB degree.
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LLB Jobs in South Africa
An LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree in South Africa is more than just a gateway to becoming an attorney. That means it is a qualification that opens doors across a wide range of industries. Moreover, the demand for skilled legal professionals is strong in a country where the legal landscape is constantly evolving. Hence, whether you are aiming for a role in a law firm or looking to explore new opportunities in corporate law or any emerging field, an LLB degree equips you with the expertise to succeed in the legal sector.
Learn More in Detail About the LLB Law Requirements in South Africa.
Key Sectors Employing LLB Graduates
LLB graduates are in high demand in several sectors in South Africa. In other words, LLB graduate jobs can be found in the following:
- Law Firms: This is the most traditional route through which LLB graduates can take the roles of attorneys, advocates, legal researchers, and more.
- Corporate Sector: In this sector, LLB graduates can become legal advisors or corporate lawyers to ensure businesses operate within the legal framework.
- Government and Public Sector: Here, LLB graduates can work as public prosecutors and policy advisors to develop and enforce laws and policies at different government levels
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): LLB graduates can also play a crucial role in NGOs to drive change and support vulnerable communities.
- Academia and Research: In this sector, LLB graduates can pursue careers as legal researchers or academics to engage in scholarly research and teaching law at universities.
Job Opportunities for LLB Graduates in South Africa
The legal profession in South Africa is evolving and LLB graduates can find new opportunities in emerging fields like Technology Law, Environmental Law and Human Rights Law. Moreover, with the rise of digital work environments, there are online jobs for LLB graduates, such as online legal consulting and contract administration. However, to excel in these fields, one needs a strong foundation in traditional legal skills while embracing modern competencies, being tech-savvy and having strong negotiation skills.
Furthermore, to find the answer to the question, ‘What jobs can you do with an LLB?’, networking is crucial. As a law graduate, you must join professional associations and use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with legal experts. Besides, you must gain practical experience through internships or clerkships to build your career. As a result, when you focus on these strategies, you can successfully find your way through the highly competitive legal landscape in South Africa.
Explore ‘Is Law a Good Career for the Future?’ to know its potential and opportunities.
Joining the legal profession
Attorney
Being an attorney is the most obvious and popular career option for law. Attorneys can specialise in a variety of areas, such as criminal, corporate, family, or environmental law. In general, they provide legal advice to clients, represent clients in court, tribunals and fora, and draft legal documents.
To become an attorney in South Africa, certain requirements must be met. You need to complete an undergraduate LLB degree, which typically takes four years of full-time study. After completing their Bachelor of Laws, prospective attorneys must complete a two-year internship (often referred to as articles of clerkship) under the supervision of a practicing attorney. After completing your articles, you must pass an admission exam. Once those are out of the way, you can be admitted as an attorney.
Advocate
Advocates are legal practitioners who specialise in representing clients in court. In South Africa, this is more often than not the high courts, Supreme Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court. Typically advocates are briefed by attorneys to represent clients in more complex or high-stakes legal matters, making it a career like no other. Unlike attorneys, advocates do not provide legal advice ad hoc to clients, but are often called upon to provide written opinions in complex matters.
To have a career as an advocate in South Africa, you must first complete an LLB degree and then complete a year of pupillage (a form of apprenticeship) under the supervision of a senior advocate. After completing pupillage, prospective advocates must pass an exam to be admitted to the General Council of the Bar.
Prosecutor
Another job you can qualify for with an LLB is as a public prosecutor. In this case, you will work for the state and represent the government in criminal cases.
Once you have your LLB degree you will need to complete a practical legal training course. Then you can apply the National Prosecuting Authority for a position as a prosecutor.
Corporate career options with an LLB degree
Corporate legal advisor
Legal advisors are professionals who provide legal advice and guidance to companies and organisations on a range of legal matters that typically pertain to the nature of the business of the organisation. They ensure, among other things, that businesses comply with regulations, draft legal documents and contracts, and provide support on legal disputes.
To become a legal advisor, a you must complete an LLB degree. You may then work in-house for a company, or for a law firm that specialises in advising businesses on legal matters.
Legal advisors can work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
Corporate lawyer
Corporate lawyers are legal practitioners – normally attorneys – who specialise in advising businesses on legal matters, particularly those related to corporate law. They are responsible for ensuring that their clients comply with regulations, and are involved in negotiating complex business deals and drafting contracts.
Corporate lawyers typically advise on mergers and acquisitions, financing transactions, and corporate governance matters. They can also specialise in areas such as intellectual property law, employment law, or tax law.
Mediator and or arbitrator
Often, people who hold LLB degrees opt to become mediators and or arbitrators. A mediator generally helps parties resolve disputes outside court through negotiation. Arbitrators help parties resolve disputes outside court through binding decisions.
Both mediators and arbitrators must register with professional bodies to be recognised in their fields.
Research and academia with a Bachelor of Laws
Legal researcher
If you hold an LLB you can obtain work in legal research and provide analysis and insights on legal issues and precedents. Legal researchers may work closely with lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals to provide support and advice on legal issues.
Academic
As an academic, you would be responsible for researching and teaching the law. Academic legal research focuses on legal issues and their impact on society, often exploring questions related to human rights, justice, and equality.
Getting your LLB degree
As you can see, an LLB degree will provide you with a wide variety of stimulating career options.
Regenesys Law School offers a four-year LLB programme designed to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as the professional communication skills required to develop well-rounded graduates who can excel across a multitude of legal career paths. Interested? Click here to find out about the Bachelor of Laws requirements.
FAQs: What Jobs you can do with An LLB?
Are there online jobs for LLB graduates?
Yes, there are online jobs for LLB graduates. These jobs include roles in online legal consulting, virtual contract administration, and remote legal research. The digital transformation of the legal industry has opened up more new opportunities for LLB graduates to work remotely.
What sectors offer LLB jobs in South Africa?
LLB graduate jobs in South Africa are available across several sectors, including law firms, corporate businesses, government agencies, NGOs and academic institutions. Moreover, LLB graduates can find new career paths in emerging fields like technology law and environmental law.
How can an LLB degree lead to a career in academia?
An LLB degree can lead to a career in academia by allowing graduates to become legal researchers or university professors. Academics in the legal field engage in research, teaching, and publishing scholarly work on legal issues and their societal impacts.
What jobs can I do with an LLB degree in South Africa?
With an LLB degree, you can pursue various legal careers, such as becoming an attorney, advocate, public prosecutor, or legal advisor. Additionally, you can explore roles in corporate law, academia, NGOs, and emerging fields like technology law and environmental law.
What are some corporate career options for LLB graduates?
LLB graduates can pursue corporate career options such as becoming corporate lawyers, legal advisors, or mediators and arbitrators. These roles involve advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring compliance and managing legal disputes.
References
- Banks, A. (nd). How to become a mediator in South Africa.
- Greater Good SA. (2022). How to become a legal researcher in South Africa.
- Legal Practice Council. (2020). Enrolment of Legal Practitioners.
- Mamphiswana, M. (2023). Is a Bachelor of Laws the same as an LLB?
- Shapiro, T. (2023). Are you a lawyer after an LLB degree?
