Lawyers advise clients, draft agreements, and represent people in legal matters as attorneys or advocates. It's a respected profession requiring strong reading, reasoning and language skills, with a clear (if demanding) qualification path. This guide covers what lawyers do, the school subjects and qualifications you need, how to become a lawyer in South Africa step by step, what you can earn, and whether it's in demand.
What does a lawyer do?
Lawyers advise clients, draft agreements, and represent people in legal matters as attorneys or advocates. It's a respected profession requiring strong reading, reasoning and language skills, with a clear (if demanding) qualification path.
School subjects you need
To keep this path open, aim for these subjects and a strong National Senior Certificate:
- A bachelor's pass with a high APS
- Strong languages (English essential)
- Any strong subject set — Maths helps but pure Maths isn't always required
How to become a lawyer in South Africa
- 1Pass matric with a bachelor's pass and strong marks, especially in languages.
- 2Complete an LLB degree (four years, or two years after another degree).
- 3Do practical vocational training (articles of clerkship for attorneys, or pupillage for advocates).
- 4Pass the required board/bar exams.
- 5Be admitted and enrol with the Legal Practice Council to practise.
Where to study
- Universities offering the LLB (most South African universities).
- Attorneys complete articles; advocates complete pupillage and join the Bar.
- The Legal Practice Council regulates admission and practice.
Lawyer salary in South Africa
Candidate attorneys earn modest stipends during articles (often R120,000–R300,000 a year). Qualified attorneys typically earn R350,000–R800,000, and experienced advocates, partners and specialists can earn well over R1,000,000.
A note on salaries
Salary ranges are typical guides only and vary widely by employer, sector, location and experience. Treat them as a rough picture, not a promise.
Is lawyer a good career? Demand in South Africa
The legal field is competitive, with more graduates than training posts in some years. Specialising (e.g. commercial, tax, IP) and strong results improve prospects.
Skills you'll need
- Reading, writing and argument
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Ethics and communication
Not sure if lawyer is the right fit for you? Take our free assessment to check it against your interests, strengths and values.
Take the free assessmentHow long does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa?+
About five to six years: a four-year LLB (or a degree plus a two-year LLB), followed by one to two years of practical training (articles or pupillage) and admission exams.
Do I need Maths to become a lawyer?+
Pure Maths isn't usually required for the LLB, though a good overall pass and strong languages are. Some universities accept Mathematical Literacy — check each one.
What's the difference between an attorney and an advocate?+
Attorneys deal directly with clients and handle a broad range of legal work; advocates specialise in courtroom advocacy and are usually briefed by attorneys. The training routes differ (articles vs pupillage).
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