Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Lawyer.

Job Title - Lawyer

Description

A Lawyer gives legal advice to clients regarding rights and obligations. The lawyer may serve businesses, institutions, local authorities, the government or individuals. Although your field of specialty will determine your actual duties, most lawyers perform all the basic legal activities.

Typical Job Activities

Appears in court on behalf of his client
Handles civil or criminal cases
Consults with a client to determine the nature of the problem
Gives advice
These activities may fall in the field of:
- business and corporate law
- civil and criminal litigation
- property transactions
- taxation
- estate planning and business
- personal advice

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Related Occupations

Advocate
Legal adviser
Patent attorney

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matric exemption

Compulsory subjects: English
Recommended subjects:  Languages and Accounting

Entry to Work Place

To practice as an attorney you need to do the following:
- A LLB degree obtained from a South African University
- Two years of service under articles of clerkship with a South African firm of attorneys or community service at an accredited law clinic or approved office of the Legal Aid Board
- The successful completion of the Attorneys Admission Examination
- A legal training course approved by the Law Society will have to be attended before application can be made for admission as an attorney

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be able to enjoy working with people
Be able to communicate well both in writing and in speech
Be able to reason logically
Be able to interpret problems quickly and correctly
Be honest and reliable
Have integrity
Have a logical mind and above average intelligence

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Employment Opportunities

High

Market Competitiveness

High

Income Potential

High

Self-Employment Options

High

International Employment Market

High

Possible Employers

Government - national, provincial, local councils and related organisations like central, provincial or local government or law schools
Big private companies – business firms
Medium or small companies - Legal aid societies such as non-profit organisations
Self-employed: consultant or own practice

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Relevant Contact Details

The Law of South Africa
http://www.lssa.org.za

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific field
Work performance
General management studies

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field

Employment Stability

Very stable

Reasons to consider this career

A job in government
A job in private companies
A stable job
To become a manager
To be of service to people
To work with languages
To apply my special skills