Advocates are primarily experts in the art of presenting and arguing cases in court. This requires a mastery of law and fact, good judgement and the ability to present a case clearly and coherently. Advocates also give legal opinions and help with the drafting of legal documents that are required in every walk of life, be they commercial, industrial or domestic.
The basic requirement is an LLB degree from any South African university. Having achieved this, the next step is to apply to the High Court to be included on the ‘roll’ of advocates. To do this, an applicant must satisfy the court that he/she is both qualified and able to be a member of the profession. The applicant will then be able to practice as an advocate in South Africa. Once admitted, it is customary to join one of the ‘Bars’ (the representative body of the advocates' profession with the main purpose to maintain professional standards among its members). Professional training to become an advocate is provided by the constituent ‘Societies of Advocates’ of the General Council of the Bar of South Africa.
A period of one year’s apprenticeship or pupillage including an examination is a prerequisite to join the Bar. A person will also have to pass the National Bar Examination of the General Council of the Bar, which is a test of the person’s practical ability.
During pupillage, a pupil advocate will be paired with an experienced advocate to see how work is carried out in chambers and in the courts. Information regarding pupillage and of the pupillage syllabus can be obtained from the Bars.
