Steps & Requirements For Becoming A Lawyer In South Africa
Job Overview
Steps & Requirements For Becoming A Lawyer In South Africa
Steps & Requirements For Becoming A Lawyer In South Africa
Many people in South Africa are interested in becoming lawyers for a variety of causes and circumstances. Actually, because the legal profession is rewarding and respectable, lawyers are to be admired. We shall discuss the procedures and prerequisites for becoming a lawyer in South Africa in this article.
Actually, there are a ton of advantages to being a lawyer. Actually, we should begin by educating you on the fact that South African lawyers are referred to as attorneys and advocates (unlike some other countries).
Additionally, obtaining an attorney’s license in South Africa could take up to seven years (plus one more year to become an advocate). If you are an attorney who had your legal education outside of South Africa and you wish to practice there, you may fall under the category that will exclude you from having to retake your LLBs there ( a South African qualification is actually necessary).
We can now move on to the steps you must take to become a legal advocate or attorney in South Africa now that we have presented you to some very crucial things you must know about the legal profession in SA.
Getting a Law Degree in South Africa
1. Attending a university for education
In South Africa, there are numerous universities that offer law as a course. The good news is that many South African educational institutions enjoy a solid reputation, so you can be sure you’ll receive a top-notch education. So, earning an LLB is the first need if you wish to practice law in South Africa.
The good news is that you will only have to spend four years in South Africa, compared to five years in some other countries, to finish the programme. We should also point out that you must enroll in a South African university unless you have already earned an LLB from another university in a recognized nation (such as Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, and any of the former Ciskei, Venda, Transkei, and Bophuthatswana states).
So what happens if you didn’t go to college in any of the aforementioned nations (i.e., you studied law in a country that isn’t on the list of those the law school has approved)? There might still be hope, though. Simply head in the direction of any of South Africa’s law schools. They would consider your existing law degree as credit toward a South African one.
2. Clerkship articles
When you have finished your undergraduate studies at the university after four years (and have your LLB in hand), it is time to apply for a post of service under articles of clerkship (which is the second stage that must be completed).
Actually, this is a learning phase. You should be prepared to spend up to two years in South Africa, where it is typically conducted at a recognized law practice. However, some people can only spend a year in this stage if they finish the 6-month full-time study at the School for Legal Practice.
In reality, there are two enrollment options available at the School for Legal Practice: full-time or part-time. The problem is that you would only use about five months if you choose the part-time option. However, if you choose the full-time option, it might take up to six months. Both alternatives offer benefits, but choosing part-time gives you more freedom to be flexible. Instead of using two complete years in this stage, you can utilize just one year for the other.
At the legal firm, you will typically be assigned a supervisor (also known as a principal) while you are still in this stage to serve as your mentor. However, make sure your papers are delivered to the regional bar society on time.
3. Third, Fit & Proper
The next step is where you have to establish your value (that, indeed, you can serve as an attorney).
You must here demonstrate both your moral character and your honesty in all that you do (including in your work). During the Law Society application procedure, you will be interviewed. There will be a senior member conducting this (and you have to be pretty prepared).
Now, some guidance. Do your best to maintain contact with your law school classmates while working on your articles. By doing this, you can continually make sure you are receiving enough important work and keep an eye out for being taken advantage of.
4. The Attorney Admission Test
You can take the Attorney’s Admission Examination after completing your articles of clerkship, which can last up to six months.
You should be aware that this consists of four sections, which are as follows:
Wills and estates, practice and procedure, wills and estates, contracts and rules of conduct for attorneys, and legal bookkeeping
Additionally, it should be mentioned that certain professors offer unofficial lessons (of law). If you are given one and find that you are not very strong in a certain area, don’t be afraid to ask the professor a question.
5. Requirement of Practice Management
Without a question, getting here required a lot of effort. You must be prepared to take a quick course in practice management in order to legally practice your profession in South Africa. This will actually guarantee that you receive your initial Fidelity Fund Certificate.
6. Taking Up Advocacy
Anyone who wants to become an advocate must follow the prescribed procedure and apply to the High Court following a year of pupillage with another seasoned advocate.
After doing this, the person will then be called to the bar. You should be aware that the General Council of the Bar is the union of each local Bar Council conducting a separate Bar Examination in the nation.
Closing
You can join the South African league advocates once all of things are in place.
Therefore, even if it may seem difficult and drawn out, all you need to do is start somewhere and keep taking the right actions one at a time toward becoming an advocate in South Africa.
