Advocate

What is an Advocate?

Advocates conduct civil and criminal cases in courts of law.  Clients are referred to an Advocate by their attorney/lawyer.  The Advocate makes sure that all the evidence in favour of the client is put before the magistrate or judge and cross-examines the opposing party in court.

• Civil cases are cases where there is a disagreement over the private interests of two parties or persons (e.g. claims for damages, contracts, insurance claims, and divorce cases).  In civil cases, advocates represent either the defendant or the plaintiff.
• Criminal cases are opened by the State against someone who has allegedly broken the law (violated or committed an offence against the law of the country).  In criminal cases, advocates represent either the State or the accused.

Only an Advocate can handle or present cases in the Supreme Court. Most Advocates are in private practice but can also act as legal advisers to government departments, unions and other businesses or organisations.

What does an Advocate do?

• meeting with lawyers/attorneys to discuss cases
• meeting with clients face to face to discuss cases
• giving legal advice
• preparing documentation
• researching the case/s
• attending meetings
• presenting arguments in court
• cross examining witnesses

Are you … ?

• a person with good communication skills?
• ambitious?
• honest?
• trustworthy?
• able to deal with stress?
• willing to work long hours?
• able to win the trust of others?
• confident?
• decisive?
• logical?

How do I become an Advocate?

You will need a 3 year BA Law degree PLUS an LLB.

See under ‘Lawyer’ on our website for more details.

Students who hold the BA (Law) degree will be exempted from the first two years of the four-year LLB programme.

Most universities offer these. 

After completion of the LLB degree, you will then apply to the High Court to be signed on on the “roll” of advocates. To do this, you must prove to the court that you are both qualified and able to be a member of the profession. You will then be able to practise as an advocate in South Africa.

Each institution has its own minimum requirements – check with your local institution for theirs, but here is a rough guide:

• NSC with an aggregate of at least 60%
• Home Language (60-69%)
• First Additional Language (40-49%)
• If Economics is taken as a university subject, then also: 
• Mathematics (60-69%)

Students may at a later date specialise in a specific area of law eg  Tax, Human Rights, Labour etc etc.

Is becoming an Advocate the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.