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How many years does it take to study law in South Africa?

Author

Olivia House

Updated on March 09, 2026

How many years does it take to study law in South Africa?

The standard requirement before one can practice as a lawyer is completing an LLB degree which takes 4 years. Alternatively, some students choose to first study a BCom or BA which takes 3 years and then study another 2 years to complete their LLB.

Similarly, it is asked, how much do lawyers earn in South Africa per month?

A person working as an Attorney in South Africa typically earns around 45,000 ZAR per month. Salaries range from 20,700 ZAR (lowest) to 71,500 ZAR (highest). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.

Secondly, can I study law at age 30? While many people go to law school shortly after college, it is possible to become a lawyer after you turn 30. There is no required major to go to law school, so you can pursue any course of study that interests you. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

In respect to this, what subjects do you need to study to become a lawyer?

Subjects that are needed to become a lawyer in South Africa include Foundations of South African law, South African private law, constitutional law, criminal law, intellectual property, evidence and African Customary Law.

Is law in demand in South Africa?

The deputy minister said the number of unemployed graduates in South Africa was at risk of increasing due to wrong career choices. There is a demand for artisans in SA, but there is no demand for lawyers.

What type of lawyer is highest paid?

With this in mind, here are the five types of lawyers that make the most money.
  1. Medical Lawyers – $150,881 annually.
  2. IP Attorneys – $140,972 annually.
  3. Trial Attorneys – $101,086.
  4. Tax Attorneys – $99,690 annually.
  5. Corporate Lawyer – $98,822 annually.

How much do lawyers earn in SA?

This is how much money lawyers earn in South Africa
In-house – Commerce and Industry2020 Annual Salary
10+ years' post-qualified experienceR1 400 000+
6-10 years' post-qualified experienceR950 000 – R1 400 000
3-6 years' post-qualified experienceR750 000 – R950 000
1-3 years' post-qualified experienceR500 000 – R750 000

Which type of lawyer gets paid the most in South Africa?

Top earners include General Counsel (GC) and partners, both of which can expect to take home R5 million a year at the high-end of market. At the other end of the scale, candidate attorneys can expect to earn between R250,000 and R300,000 a year at top law firms.

How much do lawyers charge per hour in South Africa?

27.34% of the respondents indicated that they charged less than R1000 per hour with one or two saying that they charge less than R200 per hour. 21.72% answered that they charged between R1000 and R1500 per hour, 39.70% charged between R1500 and R2000 per hour and 11.24% saying they charged more than R2000.

Is law a good career in South Africa?

Legal career options in South Africa
Choosing law as a career can be rewarding and exciting but it also requires hard work, dedication and a high level of commitment. Attorneys in South Africa are also able to appear in court and represent clients should they have their right of appearance which can be applied for.

What is the starting salary for a lawyer in South Africa?

Attorney Salary
Doing your law articles as a candidate attorney takes 2 years in total at a law firm, or 6 months at the LEAD law school and 1 year at a law firm. Depending on which firm you get accepted into, the starting salaries can range from as low as R5000 per month to as high as R25 000 per month.

How much does a family lawyer earn in South Africa?

An early career Divorce Lawyer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R50,000 based on 9 salaries. A mid-career Divorce Lawyer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R500,000 based on 5 salaries.

How much do advocates earn in SA?

A mid-career Legislative Advocate with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R400,000 based on 5 salaries. An experienced Legislative Advocate with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R500,000 based on 10 salaries.

What subjects should I take in Grade 10 to become a lawyer?

What subjects do I need to do in grade 10 if I want to be a lawyer? - Quora. The best way for a high-school student to prepare to become a lawyer is by taking all of the standard college-prep classes: English, foreign language, math, science, and social studies. Don't neglect the math and science.

What is studying law like?

Law is often seen as a difficult course, so for school leavers beginning legal studies, that small step can sometimes feel more like a giant leap. For Eleanor Sheerin, studying law at university felt like a massive step up. "A lot of areas of law, such as property and criminal, are very precise."

What do lawyers start off making?

The average starting salary for a civil rights lawyer is approximately $45,000 a year, but very capable and experienced attorneys in this field can make as much as $200,000. Top earners tend to be employed by federal government agencies.

What qualifications do I need to study law?

Most students who attend school and college in England and Wales still currently follow the academic route of GCSEs, followed by A-Levels. The majority of UK universities generally look for a minimum of grade C or B, or level 4 or above, at GCSE in English, maths, and at times a subject such as foreign languages.

Which stream is best for lawyer?

The best stream depends on the field of law you want to specialise in.
  • For going with BA LLB, any stream in +2 will do.
  • For going with BCom LLB, Commerce stream is preferable.
  • For going with BSc LLB, you will need Science in +2.

Which university is best for law in South Africa?

LL. M. in Africa and Middle East
RankSchool
1University of South Africa (UNISA) - College of Law
2University of Cape Town (UCT) - The School for Advanced Legal Studies
3University of Pretoria
4Stellenbosch University - Faculty of Law

How can I become a lawyer after 12?

Steps to Becoming a Lawyer:
  1. Complete an undergraduate degree (Bachelor's Degree Program)
  2. Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
  3. Identify law school and complete Application.
  4. Earn a Juris doctor degree.
  5. Clear the bar examination.
  6. Advance your Career.

What subjects are needed to become a Grade 10 lawyer in South Africa?

Luckily, there are simple steps you c The best way for a high-school student to prepare to become a lawyer is by taking all of the standard college-prep classes: English, foreign language, math, science, and social studies.

Is 50 too old for law school?

Most law schools require applicants to hold at least a bachelor's degree. If you're older than 50, chances are you earned your degree many years ago. If you do need to go back and earn a degree, no specific major is mandatory, but courses in math, public speaking, philosophy and logic can all be useful.

Is 30 to old for college?

There is no age limit for college. Start it at 18, start it at 30, start it at 85. It's still worth doing, no matter what your age. If you want to learn something, do it!

Is 25 too old for law school?

The median age of incoming students in Law school is usually around 25, it's perfectly normal to take a few years off to work before law school. It sounds like you're going to save money these next four years in order to avoid debt - great idea.

Is 35 too old for law school?

Statistics show that it's more difficult for older lawyers to land a job at large law firms, and large firms typically offer the most lucrative salaries. If you're contemplating going to law school at age 35 or even age 40, you're probably doing it because law is something you've always been avid about.

Is 32 too old for law school?

Absolutely not. A 32 year old would fit right in at most law schools. There are quite a few older law laws students these days (including me). I think being older, and having more life experience than the average law student, can be an asset.

Is studying law hard?

How difficult is it to study law? Again law ranks as a prestigious degree. Even if you're studying one of the so-called “easier” laws, it's still one of the most difficult degrees to study and will require you to work hard from your very first day of studying law.

Can I study law at the age of 40?

If you're contemplating going to law school at age 35 or even age 40, you're probably doing it because law is something you've always been avid about. You might be perfectly happy opening your own firm, but keep in mind that this will require a little start-up capital in addition to paying off those student loans.

Can I become a lawyer at 40?

The average first-year law student is almost 26-years-old. Therefore, people in their 30's and 40's may think they are too old for starting a second career and going to law school, but it can still be a great choice for many. Here are some facts non-traditional students should know about law school admission.

Can I become a lawyer at 60?

At age 60, if you have a lot of wealth and want to go to law school for personal fulfilment reasons, go for it. Don't expect to end up making a lot of money in law or having an easy time finding work: this is also true for traditional-age students as well.

Is studying law in South Africa worth it?

A good knowledge of the law will prove useful in almost any career you might choose. Many leaders of industry, commerce and politics have a legal background. Law graduates often end up becoming in-house legal advisors at banks and other companies that require frequent legal expertise.

What field of law is most in demand?

If attorney salary is an important consideration for you, then complex litigation, corporate law, intellectual property law, and healthcare law are hot, in demand practice areas to consider.

What type of lawyers are in demand in South Africa?

We offer a simple overview of some of the most common types of attorneys in South Africa and the specialist services they provide.
  • Criminal lawyer.
  • Personal injury attorney.
  • Family lawyer.
  • Intellectual property lawyer.
  • Estate planning attorney.
  • Medical malpractice attorney.
  • Corporate attorney.
  • Labour lawyer.

What jobs can I get with a LLB law degree in South Africa?

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Average by Job
  • Job.
  • Attorney / Lawyer.
  • Associate Attorney.
  • Legal Services Manager.
  • Compliance Officer (but not Agriculture, Construction, Health / Safety, or Transportation)
  • Contracts Administrator, Construction.
  • Detective.
  • Detective or Criminal Investigator.

Is law a good career?

Law is among one of the most esteemed professions in India. It is no doubt a good career option as the demand for good lawyers never decreases. It will be tough in the beginning as you need to establish your reputation in the profession which comes with experience and hard work but the rewards will equally be greater.

Can you practice law with an LLB?

After graduating, they must undergo further education and training before they can practise law. However, in some countries, the LLB is a second degree after which graduates are eligible to take the bar exam and become licensed lawyers.

What does LLB stand for?

'LLB' is the abbreviation for the Bachelor of Laws. The degree abbreviates to 'LLB' instead of 'BL' due to the traditional name of the qualification in Latin, 'Legum Baccalaureus'. 'Legum' is the plural of 'lex', meaning law, while 'Baccalaureus' is the origin of the term 'Bachelors degree'.

How do I become a lawyer in South Africa?

How to become an attorney in South Africa
  1. Study options. You will need to enrol for and complete a four-year LLB degree, which is the minimum requirement.
  2. Vacation work.
  3. Articles of clerkship.
  4. Update your CV.
  5. Improve your interview skills.
  6. Register your contract.
  7. Practical legal training (PLT) at a law school.
  8. Board examinations.

What is the difference between a lawyer and an advocate?

There is not much difference between these two terms as such. LAWYER is a person who is still in the process of pursuing Law/LL. B Whereas term ADVOCATE is usually refers to a lawyer who is practising and who has completed his law course and is no more a student.