About Law
The legal profession in South Africa offers a variety of career possibilities in the field of law.
Virtually every institution of significance operating in the economy today employs legally qualified staff at various
levels and in several capacities.
People who earn their living by practicing the law are called lawyers, including judges, magistrates, advocates, attorneys, and university lecturers.
People with legal qualifications can be found in almost all sectors of employment, thus law graduates are open to a wide range of career opportunities.
Examples of these careers available in the legal profession include : the attorneys' profession, the advocates' profession, the legal adviser and positions available in the
Department of Justice.
People with an interest in the field of South African law should visit the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) site for some insightful information.
In addition to careers within the legal profession, law graduate are open to a wide range of global career options including:
- Politics and Government
- Public Administration
- Trade and Industry
- Corporate Governance
- Finance and Taxation
- Business Management
Working Experience
As a Law graduate, some of the career opportunities one may explore include practicing as an advocate in a court of law, working with corporate firms, working as a legal adviser for
various organisations, teaching in colleges, working with NGOs or working as a reporter for newspapers to name a few. By clearing exams conducted by Public Service Commissions, a
law graduate can become a judge. After gaining experience, a law graduate can hope to become Solicitor General, a Public Prosecutor or offer services to government departments and ministries.
Law graduates may opt to specializing in some of the following disciplines:
- Environmental Law
- Maritime Law
- Constitutional Law
- International Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Medical Law
- Tax Law
- Criminal Justice
- Business/Corporate Law
- Labour Law
- Criminal Law
- Internet and Cyber Law
- Human Rights Law