Attorney

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Attorneys are also known as lawyers.  They give advice to clients when it comes to legal rights and obligations.  They interpret the law with regards rulings and regulations for both individuals and businesses.

TYPICAL TASKS:

• analyse the probable outcomes or cases, using knowledge of legal precedents
• present and summarise cases for judges and juries
• evaluate findings, develop strategies and arguments that are to be presented in court
• gather information and evidence in order to formulate defence or to initiate legal actions
• interview clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case
• represent their clients in court
• examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuits
• argue motions
• meet with judges and question witnesses during the course of a trial
• present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation

ARE YOU …

• interested in the law?
• analytical?
• hard working?
• thorough?
• intelligent?
• confident?
• deadline orientated?
• calm under pressure?
• a clear and quick thinker?
• a person with good communication skills?
• assertive?
• a good negotiator?
• organised?
• persuasive?
• an excellent speaker?

TRAINING:
Most universities in South Africa offer a law degree. Each university will have their own admission requirements so check your university of choice for theirs.

Guidelines for minimum requirements:
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Compulsory subjects: English
Recommended subjects: History, Languages, Accounting

DEGREES:

BProc Degree: (4 years)

Note:  You cannot practise as an advocate with this degree.
Bachelor of Law – LLB Degree:

4 year course (approx. 2 year post graduate qualification).  With this, you can practice as an Attorney or Advocate.

Most universities offer:

An extended 5 year – LLB programme
3 year – Bachelor of Arts (Law) – BA (Law)
3 year – Bachelor of Commerce (Law) – BCom (Law)

To become an Attorney you must successfully pass the admission examination, which is presented by the Law Society. 

You must also complete your articles – at least 2 years’ service at a private law firm or with a state attorney or a service contract (community service at a legal aid institution).