Consider some of the legal and related career options available in the justice system.
- Justice and Constitutional Development Department
1.1 Chief State Law Adviser’s Office- This office provides legal services to the Executive (including the President’s and Deputy President’s offices), all State departments (national and provincial), parastatals, and independent or autonomous bodies such as the Auditor-General, the Independent Electoral Commission, SITA (State Information Technology Agency), SARS (South African Revenue Service), and local government that may refer work to it. The office is made up of state law advisers and offers the following basic services:
- Legal opinion writing and legislation drafting
- Review of all international agreements, including extradition treaties; and • Review of draft subordinate legislation, such as regulations.
- Examining municipal bylaws.
Minimum requirements: LLB admission as a High Court attorney or admission as an advocate would be advantageous.
1.2 State Attorney- A state attorney is an attorney who works for the state. They act as the State’s representative in all lawsuits and transactions, both for and against the State. They work and function similarly to regular attorneys. After completing his/her articles, a candidate attorney may enter into a candidacy agreement with the state attorney and take the attorney’s admission examination. The minimum requirement for state attorneys is an LLB degree as well as admission to the bar.
1.3 Legal Affairs Officer- Legal Affairs Officer Legal administration officers are responsible for dealing with legal administrative issues pertaining to the administration of justice. An LLB degree is required for employment as a legal administration officer.
1.4 Family Advocate’s Office- A family advocate’s duty is to assist both the High Court and the lower courts in civil matters involving the “best interests of children.” A family advocate is also involved in cases where applications are made to amend existing court orders concerning child custody, access, and guardianship. They also handle cases of international child abduction under civil law. Due to the high levels of conflict that can arise in family disputes, the work of a family advocate can be emotionally taxing. A family advocate must have an LLB degree and be admitted as a High Court advocate.
- National Prosecutor’s Office
2.1 Prosecutor General-
A public prosecutor is someone who prosecutes accused people in magistrates’ courts on the State’s behalf. He/she introduces evidence from State witnesses and cross-examines accused witnesses. A public prosecutor spends roughly 90% of his or her time in court. A person must have an LLB degree to be appointed as a public prosecutor. The National Prosecuting Authority appoints public prosecutors.
2.2 State Advocates-A state advocate is someone who has been admitted as a High Court advocate. In a High Court, he or she serves as a “public prosecutor.” A state advocate’s work is also done in court, though more case preparation and research is required. The National Prosecuting Authority appoints state advocates, who work in the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Anyone seeking appointment as a state advocate must have a minimum of an LLB degree.
Is it worthwhile to pursue a law degree in South Africa?
Law students have a good chance of getting a job or an internship right after finishing their studies. While many law graduates go on to practice law, many others study law because it is a prestigious degree that opens doors to a variety of other occupations.
Which areas of law are in high demand in South Africa?
General counsel, banking and finance, and legal advisors are among the most in-demand jobs in South Africa’s legal sector. Compliance and regulatory expertise, as well as M&A and financing skills, are likely to be in high demand in 2022.
What is the least stressful type of law?
The least stressful types of law to practice are real estate law, estate planning law, and intellectual property law.
