Home / Articles / Lawyer Salary

Lawyer Salary

Lawyer Salary

What is the salary of a lawyer ?

2025

The salary of a lawyer in South Africa R800 000.00 pa or R66 000.00 pm.
Read more below or view the video regarding lawyers and attorney salaries in South Africa.

    • Becoming a lawyer can be a great way to ensure financial stability and make a difference in the lives of others. Find legal jobs here !! The lawyer salary depends on both the field of law and the region in which the lawyer practices. A medical lawyer salary in South Africa may be higher than other types of lawyer salaries due to the specialisation involved with medical cases. Additionally, depending on their experience, some lawyers may be able to command higher salaries after demonstrating their legal expertise throughout their career.



      Salaries for lawyers differ widely depending on the area of expertise and experience. Corporate lawyers typically make more than criminal defence attorneys. In addition, lawyers who work in large firms tend to earn higher salaries than those who practice in smaller offices. Becoming a lawyer requires dedication, hard work and perseverance in order to be successful. Although the road to becoming a lawyer can be difficult, the rewards are often great. A lawyer salary can provide financial stability and allow lawyers to feel more secure in their profession. With hard work and dedication, anyone considering a career as a lawyer can experience the satisfaction that comes with helping others while also earning a good wage.

      Candidate attorney vacancies johannesburg



      The legal profession also provides numerous other benefits beyond a lawyer's salary. Lawyers are often in positions to help people who may be unable to afford legal counsel, and they are able to use their expertise to provide assistance to those in need. Additionally, being a lawyer can open doors for networking opportunities and allow attorneys to gain insight into how the south African law faculty operates.

      What kind of lawyer make the most money?


      The kind of lawyer that makes the most money is typically an attorney who specializes in corporate law, tax law or intellectual property law. The more specialized a lawyer’s area of expertise, the more likely he or she will be able to command high salary. Additionally, many attorneys can make extra money by working as consultants for high-profile companies.

      How much do LLB lawyers earn in South Africa?


      The salary of an LLB lawyer in South Africa ranges from R400 000.00 to R850 000.00 per annual salary or R33 333.33 to R70 833.33 per month, depending on the experience and location of the lawyer. In addition to their base salary, lawyers may earn bonuses or other incentives based on their performance as well.

      Exploring South African Lawyer Salary Ranges


      Lawyers in South Africa can have a wide range of salary ranges depending on which sector they specialize in. The median salary for a lawyer in South Africa is around R600,000 per year, but this can vary by sector. The table below outlines the different salary ranges for lawyers in South Africa:
      Get to Know Different Lawyer Salaries in Rand Currency. These have the values ranging from minimum salary to maximum salary. Calculated as annual salary & can be divided by 12 to get the monthly salary.
      v

      Salary Ranges for Lawyers in South Africa


      • Private Practice: R800,000 pa – R2,000,000 pa
      • Corporate Law Firms: R450,000 pa – R800,000 pa
      • Public Sector: R300,000 pa – R600,000 pa
      • Academia/Research: R300,000 pa – R450,000 pa

      Factors That Impact Your Salary


      The salary range for lawyers in South Africa depends on several factors, such as the size and type of firm you work for, the type of practice you specialize in, the region you live in, and your experience. For instance, lawyers who specialize in corporate law can expect to earn higher salaries than those who work in public sector roles. Additionally, those who live in major cities tend to earn higher salaries than those who live in more rural areas. Salaries is directly linked to job title, higher education, experienced workers.

      Negotiating Your Salary


      Negotiating your salary can be a great way to ensure you are getting the salary that you deserve. Before you enter a negotiation, be sure to do your research and understand the current market rate for your role in the region you live in. This will give you a better idea of what salary range to expect and what you should aim for. Additionally, it is important to be confident during negotiations and make sure to express your value and worth to the employer. Entry level lawyers should first validate their worth to the organisation and gain experience before negotiating a salary. The law society keeps all salary ranges in par to the government employment law.

      Different Levels of Remuneration for South African Lawyers


      Entry Level Salaries


      Entry level salaries for lawyers in South Africa are generally between R180,000 and R360,000 per annum. This range is considered to be the starting salary range for lawyers who have recently graduated and have yet to gain experience in the profession. This amount is likely to increase as the lawyer accumulates more experience.

      Average Salaries


      For lawyers who have already accumulated a considerable amount of experience, the average salary range is between R372,000 and R630,000 per annum. At this level, lawyers may already have attained a few years of experience in their field, thus providing them with more opportunities for further negotiation and career advancement.

      Senior Level Salaries


      • At the higher end of the spectrum, the salary range for senior level lawyers can reach up to R900,000 per annum or higher. This rate is generally associated with those having attained a considerable amount of experience in the field and having held several positions of responsibility. Senior level lawyers are often responsible for managing teams of junior lawyers and providing guidance to entry-level staff.

      Understand Candidate Attorney Salary in South Africa


      Learn More About the Different Salary Ranges


      General counsel and junior counsel salaries in South Africa


      Candidate attorneys are typically responsible for providing legal services to the firm they work for. The starting salary range for a candidate attorney is usually between R180,000 and R360,000 per year. This amount may increase depending on the experience level of the lawyer and the size of the law firm they work for.

      Overview of Candidate Attorney Salary in South Africa


      Are you considering becoming a candidate attorney in South Africa? Understanding the different salary ranges and the factors that impact candidate attorney salaries is important. In South Africa, salaries for candidate attorneys range from R144,000 to R288,000 per annum. Factors that can influence a candidate attorney's salary include their location, experience, and the type of firm they work for.

      Location, Experience and Firm Type


      When it comes to candidate attorney salary in South Africa, location, experience, and firm type can all have an impact. For example, candidate attorneys in Cape Town typically earn higher salaries than those in Johannesburg, due to the higher cost of living. Candidate attorneys with more experience will also earn higher salaries, as they are more likely to handle more complex cases and have the ability to command higher rates. Lastly, the type of firm an individual works for will also affect their salary, as some firms are willing to pay more than others.

      Salary Ranges in South Africa


      Given the range of factors that can impact a candidate attorney's salary, the range of salaries in South Africa also varies. The lowest salary for a candidate attorney is generally around R144,000 per annum, while the highest salary is typically around R288,000. However, the exact salary an individual earns will depend on their specific location, experience, and type of firm they work for.

      What's the Difference in Advocate vs. Attorney Salary in South Africa?


      Understanding the Different Salary Ranges in South Africa


      Advocate vs. Attorney Salaries


      Advocates and attorneys in South Africa typically have different salary ranges. Advocates tend to earn higher salaries than attorneys due to the fact that they are required to have a higher level of education and additional qualifications. Advocates are also able to work in courtrooms and legal proceedings, while attorneys typically handle more administrative tasks.

      Salary Ranges


      The salary range for advocates and attorneys in South Africa vary depending on experience, qualifications and region. The average salary for lawyers and advocates range from R620 000 00 to R5 000 000 per year, with some attorneys earning up to R2 000 000 per year. The table below provides an overview of the different salary ranges for advocates and attorneys in South Africa.

      Salary Range Table


      | Level | Advocate (Rand) | Attorney (Rand) |
      | Entry Level | 32,000 | 27,000 |
      | Mid-Level | 65,000 | 45,000 |
      | Senior Level | 130,000 | 180,000 |
      | Top Level | 1 50,000 | 1 50,000 |

      Invest in Your Future with a Medical Lawyer Salary in South Africa


      Understand How Much You Can Earn with Different Salary Ranges


      Medical Lawyer Salaries in South Africa


      Medical lawyers in South Africa can earn different salaries depending on their experience, expertise and the area in which they practice. This can vary from R500 000 to R1.5 million per year. To get a better understanding of the different salary ranges, take a look at the below table.

      Salary Ranges for Medical Lawyers in South Africa


      | Salary Range | Rand (ZAR) |
      | Junior | R500 000 |
      | Experienced | R750 000 |
      | Senior | R1 000 000 |
      | Executive | R1 500 000 |

      Invest in Your Future and Make a Difference


      Medical lawyers play an important role in helping to ensure that people get the medical care they need. With the right salary range, you can make a difference and help to ensure that people can access medical care and legal advice when they need it. Invest in your future and become a medical lawyer today.

      HOW TO BECOME A LAWYER?


      Firstly, you need to attain a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree which takes four to five years. Alternatively you can study a BCom or BA which takes three years and then another two years to complete your LLB. Secondly, you need to complete your articles of clerkship at a law firm as a “candidate attorney” which lasts between one or two years depending on whether or not you attend full time Practical Legal Training (PLT). You need to register your contract with the Legal Practice Council within two months of starting your articles. Thirdly, you have to attend a compulsory course (PLT) which aims to teach you practical legal skills and prepare you for the board exams. There are two options available for this course: 1) the full time course which is either during the day or at night or, 2) the part-time course which is two evenings per week or one full day per week. Fourthly, you are required to complete four Attorneys Admissions Examinations. Lastly, once you have completed all the above steps you are entitled to apply to the High Court to be admitted as an attorney. You will require a Notice of Motion, a founding and confirmatory affidavit, and the relevant annexures.

      WHAT SUBJECTS ARE NEEDED TO BECOME A LAWYER?


      First year:
      • Criminal law
      • Family law
      • Introduction to legal studies
      • Legal history
      • Legal practice
      • Law of persons
      • Roman law
      Second year:
      • Labour law
      • Law of succession
      • Legal interpretation
      • Legal practice
      • Criminal procedure
      • Law of contract
      • Law of evidence

      Third year:
      • Law of business enterprise
      • Law of delict
      • Legal pluralism
      • Legal practice
      • Commercial law
      • Public law
      • Property law
      • Tax law
      Fourth year:

      • Capita selecta private law
      • Capita selecta mercantile law
      • Civil procedure
      • Jurisprudence
      • Legal practice
      • International law
      • Law of insolvency
      • Third party compensation law

      The Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney


      The Role of a Lawyer and an Attorney


      What is a Lawyer?


      A lawyer is a professional who has been trained in the law and can provide legal advice and guidance. Lawyers typically practice in specific areas of the law, such as criminal law, family law, business law, or immigration law. Lawyers are expected to be knowledgeable about statutes, court decisions, and other legal precedents in their area of practice.

      What is an Attorney?


      Attorney meaning - An attorney is a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law in a certain jurisdiction. Attorneys are expected to have a higher level of competency in the law than a lawyer and are responsible for representing clients in court. Attorneys may also be responsible for managing administrative functions, such as filing documents, negotiating settlements, or researching legal documents.

      Key Difference


      The key difference between a lawyer and an attorney is that an attorney is licensed to practice law in a certain jurisdiction, whereas a lawyer may or may not be licensed to practice law in a certain jurisdiction. Attorneys are also expected to be more knowledgeable in the law and to have a higher level of competency in the law than a lawyer. Additionally, an attorney is responsible for representing clients in court and managing administrative functions such as filing documents or researching legal documents. A lawyer typically provides legal advice and guidance but may not be responsible for representing clients in court.

      Conclusion


      In summary, the key difference between a lawyer and an attorney is that an attorney is licensed to practice law in a certain jurisdiction, whereas a lawyer may or may not be licensed to practice law in a certain jurisdiction. Additionally, an attorney is expected to have more knowledge and competency in the law than a lawyer. Attorneys are also responsible for representing clients in court and managing administrative functions such as filing documents or researching legal documents. Lawyers typically provide legal advice and guidance but may not be responsible for representing clients in court.
      Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the difference between a lawyer and an attorney. Knowing the differences between these two professionals is important if you are seeking legal counsel or representation. It is always best to seek out a licensed attorney for any of your legal needs.

      Become a Candidate Attorney and Advance Your Career in South African Law


      A Comprehensive Guide on Becoming a Candidate Attorney


      What is a Candidate Attorney?


      Find a list of candidate attorneys in Gauteng, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Eastern Cape here -
      A candidate attorney is a law student who has completed their bachelor’s degree in law, passed their bar exam and currently undergoing practical training under the supervision of a qualified attorney. In South Africa, a candidate attorney is required to complete two years of practical training before being admitted as an attorney. This training gives them the necessary skills to become a qualified attorney and be able to practice in the legal field.

      Responsibilities of a Candidate Attorney


      As a candidate attorney, you will be responsible for providing legal advice, researching legal cases and representing clients in court. You will also be responsible for preparing documents and paperwork for court proceedings and attending court for client trials. During your two-year training period, you will also be responsible for drafting legal opinions, conducting legal research and learning legal procedure.

      How to Become a Candidate Attorney


      To become a candidate attorney, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree in law. After graduating, you must pass the bar exam in order to be eligible for the two-year practical training program. During this time, you will work under the supervision of a qualified attorney and gain valuable experience. Once you have completed your training program, you will be eligible to be admitted as an attorney and practice in South African law.

      Durban Attorneys – When Experience Counts


      Professional and Experienced Legal Services


      Skilled and Experienced Attorneys


      Durban is home to a diverse range of of attorneys, each with their own expertise and experience. Whether you’re looking for assistance with business law, family law, criminal law, or any other type of legal matter, there is an attorney in Durban that is right for you. Our attorneys are highly skilled and experienced, with many years of experience in their respective fields. You can rest assured that you are in safe hands with any of the attorneys here in Durban.

      Comprehensive Legal Services


      Durban attorneys offer comprehensive legal services, from advice and representation through to litigation and court hearings. Our experienced attorneys are able to provide legal advice and assistance on matters ranging from business and family law to criminal law and more. They are also able to assist with drafting legal documents, contract negotiations, and court hearings.

      Professional and Responsive


      Our attorneys in Durban are professional and responsive. We understand the importance of providing timely advice and assistance, and we strive to ensure that our clients’ needs and expectations are met. Our attorneys work hard to ensure that all of our clients receive the best possible legal advice and representation. We are dedicated to providing a superior level of legal service, and we take great pride in our ability to assist our clients in achieving their legal objectives.

      Pro Bono Attorneys in South Africa

      - A Resource for Access to Justice

      Connecting South African Citizens with Pro Bono Attorneys


      Pro Bono Attorneys in South Africa


      At Pro Bono Attorneys in South Africa, we are committed to connecting South African citizens with pro bono attorneys to provide access to justice. We provide a resource for people in need of legal assistance to be matched with experienced, knowledgeable pro bono attorneys. We strive to make sure that everyone has access to the legal representation they need, regardless of their financial situation.

      Our Mission


      Our mission is to provide a comprehensive database of pro bono attorneys who are willing and able to help those in need of legal assistance. We strive to make sure that everyone has access to the legal representation they need, regardless of their financial situation. We are committed to connecting South African citizens with the resources they need to get the justice they deserve.

      Find a Pro Bono Attorney


      At Pro Bono Attorneys in South Africa, we make finding a pro bono attorney easy. With our comprehensive database, you can easily find an experienced attorney who is willing to offer their services on a pro bono basis. We make sure that everyone has access to the legal representation they need, regardless of their financial situation.

      ___________________________________________________________
      Hi, I’m Kailash Pillay, an attorney from the city of Johannesburg. My passion for the law stems from a desire to improve the lives of the vulnerable who fall prey to a corrupt system.
      I studied at the University of Johannesburg where I obtained my Bachelor of Laws degree, the starting point to the long journey of becoming a legal practitioner.
      This profession has taught me to persevere through the complexities of the law and to continually develop my skills as a legal professional.

      08/03/2025

  • Legal App FREE Download - We Handle Your Case On The Go

    Legal app appleLegal app android