What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Lawyer?

Studying law can be a fulfilling career choice. It gives you the chance to understand complex legal systems and make a big difference in society. Moreover, it helps you develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of ethics.

If you want to become a lawyer in South Africa, you must get a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. Pursuing this degree is an important step toward your career goals. It gives you the essential knowledge and skills needed to practice law and opens up many career opportunities in the legal field. Therefore, knowing which subjects you must study is key for anyone aspiring to be a lawyer. 

In this article, we will answer the question ‘What subjects are needed to become a lawyer?’ by exploring the subjects you should study to qualify for legal studies in South Africa.

What is Bachelor of Laws?

The Bachelor of Laws is a four-year, 480-credit, NQF level 8 qualification, equivalent to an honours degree. It is one of the most crucial stepping stones to prepare for a career in law. It is also a requirement, in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Practice Act, 28 of 2014, for becoming a legal practitioner in South Africa.

The LLB degree allows graduates to pursue various law paths including, but not limited to, working for the state (as a prosecutor), becoming an attorney or advocate in private practice, or working in the corporate space in an advisory or compliance role.

Your LLB courses will hone your critical thinking and analytical skills, comprehension, public speaking and writing, and the ability to interpret, understand and apply the law in real-world scenarios. 

How Many Years to Study Law in South Africa?

Becoming a legal practitioner in South Africa requires dedication and commitment to academic excellence. The primary qualification you need is a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. This degree is a four-year undergraduate programme with 480 credits. Moreover, this qualification is at NQF level 8, equivalent to an honours degree. 

A bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is essential for preparing for a career in law and is a prerequisite for becoming a legal practitioner in South Africa. This is because this four-year LLB programme gives you a solid understanding of different areas of law. You will study important subjects like constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, and property law. Additionally, you will gain the following benefits:

• Essential skills in researching, analysing, and arguing legal cases.
• Hands-on experience through clerkships and moot court competitions to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application
• Abilities in public speaking, writing, and critical thinking. 
• A strong foundation for pursuing further qualifications, such as a Master’s degree in law or professional certifications

Which Subjects are Required for Law?

When preparing for a legal career, you must have a solid foundation in essential subjects to study law. These subjects will give you the skills you need to study legal practices and meet the admission requirements to the LLB programme. To get into a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme, like the one at Regenesys Law School, you must focus on the following subjects:

English Home Language or English First Additional Language:

Proficiency in English is critical for studying law, as it is the primary language of instruction and practice. To get into Regenesys Law School, you need at least 50% in English if it’s your first language or 60% if it’s your second language. This shows that you have the language skills needed to do well in law studies and clearly explain complex legal ideas.

Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy:

Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy helps you with problem-solving and thinking critically. For Regenesys Law School, while Mathematics is not strictly required, having a good grasp of Mathematical Literacy can benefit your legal studies.

Apart from these subjects, you also have to meet the following criteria to get admission to the Bachelor of Laws at Regenesys Law School:

• Matric with Bachelor pass or NQF level 4 equivalent qualification, or
• An admission points score (APS) of 26 on your National Senior Certificate or
• If from another African country, A Levels with a higher-level pass
• If you are older than 23 with no Bachelor’s Pass, you must have a school-leaving certificate (Grade 12 or O-level), three years of relevant work experience, and a pass in English. 

What Subjects Are Needed To Become A Lawyer In Grade 10?

The subjects you choose in Grade 10 will set the stage for your future legal studies and career. Although there are no specific requirements at this stage, selecting the right subjects can lay a strong foundation for your journey into law. It will help you build critical skills and knowledge. As a result, you will be better prepared for the challenges of legal education and a successful career in the field. 

Given below are the key subjects you need to focus on in Grade 10 to become a lawyer:

• English: Proficiency in English is essential for reading, writing, and understanding complex legal materials. It helps you develop strong communication skills, which are crucial for both studying and practising law.
• History: Studying history helps you understand the development of legal systems and the historical context behind laws. Having knowledge of History will provide valuable insights into how laws evolve and their impact on society.
• Business Studies: This subject introduces you to basic concepts in business, economics, and entrepreneurship. Understanding these concepts benefits students pursuing areas of law related to corporate and financial matters.
• Life Orientation: Life Orientation helps you build personal skills and understand societal issues. It can improve your ability to handle ethical dilemmas. Moreover, it develops a sense of social responsibility, which is important for a legal career.

What Subjects Are Needed To Become A Lawyer In Grade 12?

While Grade 10 subjects start preparing you for a legal career, Grade 12 subjects are even more important for getting into university and studying law. Hence, at this grade, along with the foundational subjects like English, History and Business Studies, focusing on specific subjects will help you build the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful legal education and career.

• Information Technology: Being good with computers and software is important because much of the legal work is done online. Knowing how to use IT helps you manage documents and research more effectively.
• Political Science: This subject teaches you about government systems and laws. Understanding politics and how laws are made is helpful for a legal career, especially if you are interested in public policy. 
• Public speaking: Public Speaking helps you communicate clearly and confidently. This is crucial for presenting cases in court and talking with clients.
• Psychology: Psychology helps you understand human behaviour and motivations. This knowledge can be helpful in working with clients and understanding their actions in legal cases.

Bachelor of Laws Entry Requirements – Regenesys Law School

To qualify for admission to the bachelor of law at Regenesys Law School you need:

• An admission points score (APS) of 26 on your National Senior Certificate; or
• Matric with bachelor degree pass; or
• If from another African country, A levels with a higher-level pass;

Plus

• English – 50% as a first language, or 60% as a second language

Alternatively, if you are older than 23, have a school-leaving certificate, three years’ relevant work experience, and a pass in Grade 12 or O-level English, you can apply once you have passed an additional short course in English. If you don’t have a school-leaving certificate, you can apply to have a school-leaving certificate Universities South Africa for one. And if you are 45 or older, you can apply without any of these things as long as your English is good.

Proficiency in English is crucial to gaining entry to the LLB degree, as the study and practice of law requires linguistic mastery. The ability to describe, distil and apply legal principles throughout your studies – and thus your command of English, as the language of teaching and learning – is at the heart of the skills required as a future legal practitioner able to interpret, critique and develop the law in a forward-thinking and transformative manner. 

Honing your expertise in English over time will provide a crucial instrument in your arsenal for any court room.

You should also thoroughly enjoy reading. This law degree is a reading-intensive qualification that demands a vast amount of research and analysis of legal resources ranging from legislation, case law, and journal articles to academic writing. Good lawyers know how to find the answers and demonstrate excellent research skills.

Conclusion

Starting a career in law can be a fulfilling way to make a difference in society and promote justice. However, while preparing for a law career, choosing the right subjects in high school is important. In Grade 10, you can focus on subjects like English, History, Business Studies, and Life Orientation to build a strong base for your future studies.

As you move to Grade 12, you can consider subjects like Information Technology, Political Science, Public Speaking, and Psychology to get into university and succeed in law school. As a result, understanding what subjects are needed to become a lawyer helps you meet the admission requirements for a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme and prepares you for a successful legal career. 

For those ready to take the next step in their legal journey, Regenesys Law School offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme. With a well-structured curriculum and experienced instructors, you will get the essential knowledge and skills needed for a successful legal career. Enrol now!

What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Lawyer in South Africa? FAQs