Careers in law
A law degree can open the door to a remarkably wide range of careers. While attorneys and advocates may be the most familiar legal professionals, South African law graduates can also build careers in government, the courts, business, academia, public interest organisations and institutions that protect constitutional rights.
The LLB degree is the principal undergraduate qualification providing access to the legal professions in South Africa. Some careers require additional practical training, examinations or professional qualifications after completing the LLB.
Where could an LLB take you?
There is no single way to build a career in law. You might find yourself arguing a constitutional case, negotiating a commercial contract, prosecuting a criminal matter, protecting children's rights, helping a community challenge an injustice, drafting legislation, researching how the law should change or teaching the lawyers of the future.
What these careers share is the need for critical thinking, careful research, persuasive communication, sound judgement and professional integrity. Technological change may alter how lawyers work, but it does not replace the professional responsibility to think independently, verify information and act honestly and ethically.
A Wits LLB therefore provides more than preparation for one profession: it offers a foundation for a diverse range of careers in law, justice, government, business and public service.
Attorney
Attorneys are often described as the general practitioners of the legal profession. They work directly with clients, providing legal advice, preparing documents, managing legal matters and, increasingly, appearing in court.
Attorneys can work in large commercial firms, smaller specialist practices, public interest organisations, law clinics, government or their own practices. They may also specialise in areas ranging from corporate and commercial law to family law, intellectual property, criminal law, human rights and litigation.
To practise as an attorney, an LLB graduate must meet the professional requirements for admission, including practical vocational training and the relevant professional examinations. Attorneys who meet the applicable requirements may also obtain rights of appearance in South Africa's superior courts.
Advocate
If you are particularly interested in litigation, legal argument and appearing in court, a career as an advocate may appeal to you.
Advocates are specialist litigators. Their work can include researching complex questions of law, drafting pleadings and legal opinions, preparing argument and representing clients in court. While advocates have traditionally been briefed by attorneys, the Legal Practice Act also provides for advocates with fidelity fund certificates who may receive instructions directly from members of the public.
Aspiring advocates must complete an LLB as well as the prescribed practical vocational training, structured coursework and professional examinations. Advocates have rights of appearance in all South African courts.
Conveyancer or notary
Attorneys can develop further specialist qualifications.
A conveyancer specialises in the legal transfer and registration of land and property. Conveyancers play an important role in property transactions and the registration of rights in land.
A notary is an attorney who has obtained an additional qualification allowing them to perform specialised legal work and prepare documents that require notarial execution, including antenuptial contracts.
Legal advisor
Law graduates are also in demand outside of traditional legal practice. Companies, financial institutions and other organisations employ in-house legal advisors to provide advice on the legal issues affecting their operations.
This can be an attractive option for graduates interested in the intersection between law and business. Legal advisors may work on contracts, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and other commercial matters, and a legal career in the corporate sector can also lead to broader management positions.
Prosecutor
For graduates interested in criminal justice and courtroom work, prosecution offers another career path.
Public prosecutors conduct criminal proceedings in the Magistrates' Courts, while state advocates prosecute matters in the High Court. Prosecutors therefore spend a significant part of their professional lives in court and play an important role in the administration of criminal justice.
Judge or magistrate
Lawyers with appropriate professional experience may ultimately pursue careers on the Bench.
Judges preside over matters in the superior courts and are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. Although judges were historically drawn largely from the ranks of senior advocates, they are now appointed from different branches of the legal profession, including attorneys and academics.
Magistrates and regional magistrates preside over matters in the lower courts and are appointed through the Magistrates Commission.
State attorney or state legal advisor
Government is a major employer of lawyers.
State attorneys perform work similar to attorneys in private practice, but their clients are government departments. Their work may include contracts, property transactions and representing the state in civil litigation.
State legal advisors conduct legal research, advise government departments, review existing legislation and assist in drafting new laws. Some opportunities can also have an international dimension, particularly in areas involving international law and organisations such as the African Union and United Nations.
Careers in the courts and administration of justice
Not every legal career involves representing a client. Lawyers and people with legal training can also work within the institutions responsible for administering the justice system.
These include careers as a Registrar of the High Court, Clerk of the Court, Master of the High Court, Registrar of Deeds or Registrar of Patents and Trademarks. Depending on the position, the work can involve court administration, deceased estates, trusts, insolvency, property registration or intellectual property.
Family advocate
The Office of the Family Advocate works on matters affecting children in family law disputes. A court may refer a matter to the family advocate where children's interests need to be considered, including disputes concerning care, contact and guardianship.
This career may particularly appeal to graduates interested in the intersection of family law, children's rights and access to justice.
Law reform and human rights
An LLB can also provide a route into institutions concerned with developing the law and protecting constitutional rights.
Lawyers working with the South African Law Reform Commission research areas of law that may require reform. Other opportunities exist in constitutional institutions such as the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission, whose work includes investigating improper state conduct and promoting and protecting human rights.
Public interest law and Legal Aid
For graduates motivated by social justice and access to justice, there are opportunities in Legal Aid South Africa, university law clinics, public interest litigation organisations, non-governmental organisations and community advice offices.
Public defenders, for example, are attorneys and advocates employed to represent accused people who cannot afford private legal representation. Public interest lawyers may work with individuals and communities whose rights have been violated, undertake strategic litigation, provide legal advice and contribute to broader advocacy and law reform.
Academia
For those interested in asking difficult questions about what the law is – and what it should be – academia offers a career combining teaching and research.
Legal academics teach the next generation of lawyers while researching and publishing on areas of legal importance. Academics commonly pursue postgraduate qualifications such as master's degrees and doctorates, and some combine academic careers with legal practice.
Paralegal and community-based legal work
Legal knowledge is also valuable in roles that do not require admission as an attorney or advocate. Paralegals, for example, play an important role in NGOs and community advice offices, particularly in communities where access to lawyers is limited.
They provide legal information and advice and help people understand and exercise their rights, although they cannot formally represent clients in court proceedings.