Choosing the right career is a crucial decision with far-reaching consequences. It shapes your future, making it essential to make an informed choice.
Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will engage with businesspeople, professionals, and other key figures, focusing on a different career each week.
Our goal is to offer valuable guidance to younger readers navigating their career paths. This week, we explore the advocate career. Advocate Lerato Tau practices as a junior advocate.
“I completed my 12-month pupillage and passed the Bar exams in 2024. Although at the beginning of my journey, I’m eager to gain practical experience, grow my skills and contribute meaningfully to the profession,” she said.
Lerato Tau recently qualified as an advocate. Photo cred: Adv Lerato Tau
“I look forward to collaborating with attorneys and taking on matters that challenge and sharpen my abilities as I build my career at the Bar,” said Tau.
Tau said she has always been passionate about justice and equality and using her voice to make a positive impact.
“Being an advocate allows me to fight for the rights of others and contribute meaningfully to society. I have always been unafraid to speak up and challenge ideas when necessary.
“I am naturally confident in expressing my views and advocating for what is right. Law has given me a platform to be a strong voice for those who might not be able to stand up for themselves, and I’m grateful for that opportunity,” she added.
What is an advocate?An advocate is a legal professional who specialises in representing clients in court and presenting cases before judges, drafts legal documents and provides expert legal advice. They are experts in litigation and trial work. Advocates are often referred to as “counsel” and are typically briefed by attorneys to appear in court on behalf of clients.
What work does an advocate do?Advocates appear in court to argue cases, conduct legal research, draft pleadings and heads of argument, consult with clients and attorneys and advise on legal matters. Their work largely focuses on litigation and courtroom advocacy.
What subjects should I take in high school to study law?While there are no specific subjects required to study law, strong English skills are essential. Law demands excellent reading, writing and reasoning abilities, so taking English Home Language or English First Additional Language is highly recommended.
Most universities require at least 60% or above in English for admission to an LLB program. Subjects like history and business studies can also help develop analytical thinking and communication skills.
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What is the difference between an advocate and an attorney?Both are qualified lawyers but have different roles within the legal system.
• Attorneys work directly with clients, handle legal administration, draft contracts and documents and prepare court cases;
• Advocates are specialists in courtroom advocacy and are typically briefed by attorneys to argue cases in court.In simple terms, attorneys are the first point of contact, while advocates are courtroom experts who represent clients before a judge.
What skills are vital to succeed in this field?You need a combination of technical and personal skills. Strong communication, critical thinking, research ability and confidence are key. You must also have excellent attention to detail, the ability to argue persuasively and work well under pressure. Integrity, resilience and time management are just as crucial in navigating the demands of this profession.
Which universities offer law degrees in SA?Several universities, including:• University of Pretoria;• Wits University;•University of South Africa;• University of Cape Town;• University of Johannesburg;• Stellenbosch University, and many others.
How many years does it take to become an advocate?It generally takes four years to complete an LLB degree, followed by one year of pupillage and passing the Bar exams. So, it takes around five years. With me, it took six. I first completed my BA Law and then my LLB at the University of Pretoria, so five years in university and one year at the Bar for my pupillage.
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What undergraduate qualifications are needed to pursue law?You need to complete an LLB degree. Some students choose to first complete a BA or BCom in Law and then do a postgraduate LLB, but this is optional.
What are the steps for admission as an advocate?• Obtain an LLB degree from an accredited university;
• Apply to a Bar in your area (the professional body that regulates advocates);
• Complete a 12-month pupillage where a qualified advocate mentors you. During this time, you will job-shadow your mentor, assist with their legal matters and gain practical courtroom experience;
• Complete coursework like lectures, assignments, trial advocacy and workshops;
• Pass the required examinations. During my training, I wrote 15 exams over three months: five mock exams to prepare and assess readiness and five Bar exams, which allow you to practice as an advocate under a Bar (General Council of the Bar) and five Legal Practice Council (LPC) exams, a requirement for formal admission to practice as an advocate in SA;
• After completing all the requirements, you can apply to the High Court for admission and enrolment as an advocate.
What are the major areas of legal specialisation?The legal profession offers a range of specialisations, including criminal, family, commercial and labour law, medical negligence, personal injury, constitutional law and many others.
I specialise in family law, labour law, contract law, medical negligence, personal injury, evictions, general litigation, and trusts and estates law. These areas allow me to engage with individual and institutional clients, providing practical legal solutions in matters that directly affect people’s lives.
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What challenges do advocates commonly face?Advocacy is a highly demanding and competitive profession. One of the biggest challenges for new advocates is building a client base because you rely on attorneys to brief you on matters; you cannot take on clients directly from the public.
This means you must earn the trust and confidence of attorneys, which takes time and consistency. Other challenges include financial instability in the early stages, long hours and the emotional pressure that comes with handling complex or sensitive cases. Like many professions in law, success in advocacy requires resilience, patience and a strong work ethic.
What is the role of the Bar Council in this profession?• Regulates advocates to ensure they maintain high ethical and professional standards;• Setting and enforcing rules of conduct for members of the Bar;• Overseeing the training and development of pupil advocates (trainee advocates during pupillage);• Promoting access to justice by supporting initiatives that make legal services more available and affordable;• Encouraging transformation within the legal profession to ensure diversity and inclusivity.
Can an advocate work for private clients and the government?Yes, advocates are often briefed by attorneys acting for private individuals, companies or government departments. Some advocates also serve as State advocates, where they represent the government in criminal prosecutions and other legal matters. Others might be part of legal panels or frameworks established by the government to provide specialised legal services.
What type of personality is suited for advocacy work?Being an advocate takes a bold, analytical and tough mindset. You must be confident, a good communicator, passionate about justice and able to think on your feet. It is also vital to be ethical and clear when you speak. You do not have to be an extrovert. I am a bit introverted myself and have learnt that you do not have to be the loudest to win your argument. It is all about persuasion.
Should I be fluent in more than one official language?It is not a requirement, but being fluent in more than one language is an advantage, especially when working with clients and witnesses uncomfortable with English.
What are the daily roles of an advocate?They include consulting on cases with clients and attorneys, drafting and reviewing legal documents, attending court hearings and trials, doing thorough legal research, preparing legal arguments and advising clients on legal strategies. Advocates also negotiate settlements and communicate with attorneys and other parties involved in the process.
Can advocates become judges or legal advisors in the future?Yes, many advocates go on to become judges, legal advisors or academics. Experience at the Bar is highly regarded and opens up many legal career opportunities. Serving as an advocate provides a solid foundation for judicial appointments or advisory positions. Additionally, some advocates choose to teach law or contribute to legal research, further expanding their career options within the legal field.
What are the pros and cons of the job?Advantages: Being an advocate offers a strong sense of purpose, independence and continuous growth. You make a real difference in people’s lives, uphold justice and even contribute to the development of the law.
Disadvantages: The early stages can be financially unstable because advocates rely on being briefed by attorneys to receive work. The profession is emotionally intense, time-consuming, and comes with high pressure, especially when handling sensitive or complex matters. Building a practice takes time, patience and perseverance.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to follow in your footsteps?Stay focused, be patient and always hold on to your “why”. This profession isn’t easy; it demands resilience, discipline and a thick skin. You’ll face rejection, self-doubt and moments when giving up feels easier. But never give up. The journey is rewarding if you are passionate. Read widely, seek out mentors and surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you.
One thing that keeps me going is a quote by Denzel Washington: ”Without commitment, you’ll never start. Without consistency, you’ll never finish. It’s not easy, but keep working and keep striving. Fall down seven times, get up eight”.
That has become my daily mantra. You won’t always feel motivated, but if you stay consistent, you’ll keep progressing. Trust the process and keep showing up, even on the hard days. That’s where growth happens.
Where do advocates find employment?Advocates are self-employed and work in chambers where they share resources and collaborate with other advocates. They receive cases by being briefed by attorneys. The State appoints some advocates to serve as public prosecutors or State advocates.
Others might serve on legal panels, commissions or tribunals, providing specialised expertise. Additionally, some take on roles as legal consultants and advisors for corporations, government departments or NPOs. Opportunities can also arise in academia, policy development and alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation.
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