Bachelor of Laws | UMP

Traditional Legal Paths

• Advocate: Representing clients in court, specializing in areas like criminal law, family law, commercial law, labor law, etc. Requires additional practical training and passing the bar exam.
• Attorney: Providing legal advice, drafting contracts and legal documents, handling conveyancing, estate planning, etc. Requires additional articles of clerkship and passing the attorney’s admission exam.
• Legal Advisor (In-house): Working for corporations, government departments, or NGOs providing legal advice and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Other Career Possibilities

• Academia: Lecturing law at universities or conducting legal research.
• Judiciary: Becoming a magistrate or a judge (after years of legal practice).
• Compliance: Ensuring companies and organizations adhere to laws and regulations.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Mediation, arbitration, and negotiation services.
• Policy Development: Working in government or NGOs to shape laws and policies.
• Human Rights: Advocating for human rights and social justice.
• International Law: Focusing on treaties, cross-border disputes, and diplomacy.

South African Specific Considerations

• Transformation Focus: The legal landscape emphasizes diversity and addressing historical imbalances.
• Knowledge of South African Law: Expertise in Roman-Dutch Law (the foundation of South African law) and the Constitution is crucial.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English and proficiency in other South African languages can be an advantage in certain contexts.

Potential Job Titles:

• Candidate Attorney
• Legal Advisor
• Compliance Officer
• Law Lecturer
• Researcher (Legal think-tanks or NGOs)
• Mediator/Arbitrator
• Human Rights Lawyer
• Magistrate/Judge (with extensive experience)

Organizations to Target:

• Law firms (ranging from small to large)
• Corporate legal departments
• Government departments and agencies
• NGOs and advocacy organizations
• Courts and judicial institutions
• International organizations with a presence in South Africa

Important Note: The LLB alone does not entitle you to practice law in South Africa. You need to complete further training and pass the relevant examinations to become a practicing attorney or advocate.