Entering the Law Profession…

Becoming a prominent player in the law profession requires patience and the utmost dedication to the field. According to the Practitioners Amendment Act of 1997 , the LLB degree (available at most institutes of higher learning) is the universal legal qualification needed to be both admitted and enrolled as an advocate or attorney.

Before being admitted as an attorney, the graduate needs to practise as a candidate attorney, under the mentorship of an admitted and practising attorney. The required period to serve articles extends over two years. However, this may be reduced by attending a legal practice course, or acceptable performance of community service. After the expiration of the term, candidates are required to write a professional examination set out by the Law of Society in that province.

Understanding that income plays a relevant part in your career choice, one needs to realise that this term of articles could be financially discouraging. Depending on the size of the firm in which you are employed as a candidate attorney, your salary could range from (on average) R3000 – R10 000 per month. However, such short term detriments shouldn’t hinder your goals and aspirations.

Once admitted as a practising attorney, your work would include, but is not limited to: negotiating settlements of disputes, drafting legal documents, as well as preparing cases to be presented in Court.

If you wish to enter a private practice as an advocate, you are usually required to become a member of the Bar Association. To do so, one undergoes a period of training in pupillage with a member of the Bar and writing an admission examination at the end of the term.

Once admitted the general work of an advocate is includes drafting opinions and pleadings and presenting cases in court, which in this case, usually refers to the High Court.

The great news about the LLB degree is language proficiency in Latin is no longer required. However if you are practising in the South African context it is advisable to be proficient in at least two of the official languages of South Africa because of the diversity of languages spoken.

There are many career opportunities within the borders of South Africa. These can vary from the fields of business and government to non-governmental organisations.

As for those who are interested in practising off our shores, the career options are limited to a certain degree due to the industry applying to South African law specifically. However, one is able to sit in a few examinations in order to attain the qualifications to legally practise in other countries.

One note to remember, according to a few attorneys at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyer, is to not only show commitment to your studies, but become involved in community and society projects. These count in your favour as they showcase your willingness to help others, the ability to multi-task, lead, and act as an academic.

The majority of the top five practising firms of South Africa (Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyer, Bowman Gilfillan, Webber Wentzel, Weksmans Inc and Deneys Reitz) offer summer programmes. This is where selected students are able to learn the ins and outs of the industry over a two-week period. Most of the application forms for these programmes are available on their respective websites.

In addition, for general job applications to the various firms you are usually required to submit your form a year prior to the completion of your degree if your intention is to act as an Attorney.

Like other professions, there are many requirements which one is obliged to fulfill in order to attain the qualification. Hard work is required, but if it’s truly your passion to serve as an attorney or advocate of the court, then persevere and succeed.