Advocate and Attorney

A legal advocate specialises in courtroom representation, while an attorney provides legal advice, represents clients, and handles various legal matters.

A legal advocate and attorney are both branches of the practising legal profession, each serving distinct functions. An attorney is typically the first point of contact when seeking legal advice, handling various areas of law such as civil and criminal cases, business contracts, and estate planning. Attorneys give legal advice, consult clients on their rights and obligations, and represent them in legal matters. Advocates, on the other hand, specialise in courtroom representation and litigation, often acting on behalf of clients referred by attorneys. They provide legal opinions, handle criminal and civil cases, and appear in court to present and argue cases on behalf of clients.

Tasks performed by advocates and attorneys include:

Providing legal advice and consulting clients on their rights and obligations.
Representing clients in civil and criminal cases in court.
Assisting clients with contracts, leases, wills, and legal documents.
Specialising in areas such as corporate law, property transactions, and taxation.
Drafting legal documents and preparing cases for court hearings.
Conducting cross-examinations and presenting evidence in favour of clients during trials.

Personal Requirements

integrity and honesty
ability to inspire confidence
quick thinking and analytical
well spoken and authoritative

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate (matric), or equivalent with a Bachelor's Degree pass
Compulsory Subjects: None (unless you intend studying a commercial law degree, or patent law)
Recommended Subjects: None, however, History, Economics, other languages may be useful
In addition, check the university admission requirements to see if you qualify for the programme you want to do.

What to Study

Attorney:

Degree: the only academic qualification that is presently recognised for the purpose of admission as an attorney is an LLB degree (the course duration of which is not less than four years).

The attorney’s admission examination, which is presented by the Law Society, must be successfully completed before admission. A person must complete at least two years under a contract of articles (service at a private law firm or state attorney) or a service contract (community service at a legal aid institution).

Advocate:

Degree: The basic requirement is a 4 year LLB law degree from all major universities. Having achieved this, the next step is to apply to the High Court to be enrolled on the “roll” of advocates. To do this, a candidate must satisfy the court that he/she is both qualified and able to be a member of the profession. They will then be able to practise as an advocate.

Once admitted, it is customary to join one of the “Bars” (the representative body of the advocates’ profession with the main purpose of maintaining professional standards among its members). Before admission to the Bar, you will have to do a learnership (called pupilage) of four months and pass the National Bar Examination of the General Council of the Bar, which is a test of the applicant‘s practical ability.

Employment

private practice
businesses, companies and institutions, as managers and directors
legal advisers for government departments, businesses and companies
colleges and universities, as lecturers
politics

Getting Started

try to arrange to speak to an advocate or an attorney to obtain first-hand information
try to obtain vacation work in advocates’ or attorneys' offices
attend open court sessions
join a debating society and take part in discussions

Programmes by Study Institutions

Boston City Campus

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Eduvos

IIE MSA

Nelson Mandela University

North-West University

Rhodes University

Stellenbosch University

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University of Cape Town

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