If you are planning a career in law, Johannesburg is one of the most active legal hubs in South Africa. The city offers opportunities in private law firms, corporate legal departments, public institutions and advocacy. However, many students and working professionals are unsure about the exact steps involved, the qualifications required, and how long the journey takes.
Whether you have just passed matric or are thinking about a career change, it is important to be aware of the process of becoming a lawyer and how the right LLB programme can support your career plans.
In this article, we explain how to become a lawyer in Johannesburg, including the academic requirements, practical training, timeline, and costs involved.
Table of Contents
How To Become A Lawyer In Johannesburg – Main Steps
To practise law in Johannesburg, you need to follow a clear set of steps. The first step is to obtain a recognised LLB – Bachelor of Laws degree or an equivalent qualification. Next, you need to register and serve practical vocational training under a Practical Vocational Training Contract (PVTC) or articles and complete the required practical legal training modules.
After completing training, you submit your admission application and any supporting documents to the Legal Practice Council. Finally, you will receive admission and can apply for a Fidelity Fund Certificate (mandatory annual license issued to legal practitioners) and a practising certificate if you intend to work as an attorney.
Read more on What Is A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree? – 2026 Guide.
Academic Requirements to Become a Lawyer in Johannesburg
The basic academic requirement for becoming a lawyer is completing an accredited LLB programme before you may begin formal training in South Africa. The LLB is usually a four-year undergraduate degree when pursued after passing matric.
Students who already have a prior degree may complete a two-year postgraduate LLB, depending on the university and programme structure. The degree combines core legal subjects such as Constitutional Law, Contract, Criminal Law, Property, and procedure with skills training in legal research and ethics.
Practical Training & Admission
After you finish the LLB programme, you must register your Practical Vocational Training Contract (PVTC) with the Legal Practice Council and complete the required practical legal training and work experience. The PVTC is the formal framework that sets out supervised workplace training and structured coursework that candidates must complete. During this period, you work under a supervising practitioner and attend the compulsory practical training programme components.
When your training and coursework are complete, you will have to submit an application for admission as an attorney or advocate. This must be done together with fitness documentation and the required fee. You will need to follow the Legal Practice Act rules and any province-specific registration steps if you train in Gauteng or Johannesburg.
The following are practical points to consider while you seek training placements and prepare for admission:
- Begin applying for candidate attorney or PVTC placements while you are in your final year.
- Keep a clear record of your supervised hours and work tasks for your admission application.
- Complete any required practical legal training programmes as prescribed by the Legal Practice Council.
- Ensure you have certified copies of your academic transcript and identity documents early.
- Budget for application and admission fees, and for a Fidelity Fund Certificate if required.
Choosing A Pathway – Attorney Or Advocate?
Deciding whether to aim for admission as an attorney or for pupillage (a mandatory, intensive one-year apprenticeship required to become an advocate) affects the kind of training you will seek and the skills you will build. Attorneys commonly train in firms, work with clients, and may appear in lower courts. Advocates complete pupillage under a senior advocate and focus on court advocacy and specialist litigation.
Pupillage is organised by bar councils and often requires applications to a provincial bar. For Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Bar has specific pupillage information and selection processes. Many law graduates choose to begin as candidate attorneys and later convert or transfer enrolment if they wish to join the Bar. Consider what type of work you prefer, as this will guide your applications and training choices.
Read more on Why Choose an LLB Programme in 2026?
Timeline & Realistic Expectations
Most students finish the study part in four years if they start straight after matric. Practical vocational training usually takes about two years, depending on the training contract and any exemptions. The admission process, including paperwork and certificates, can take a few extra months.
In total, you should plan for at least six years from matric to becoming a fully practising lawyer. If you already have a degree or qualify for exemptions, some stages may be shorter. It is best to keep your timeline flexible and ask your law school or training firm for clear guidance.
Costs, Support & Financial Planning
Studying law and completing practical training come with costs, including tuition, learning materials, and registration and admission fees. Planning your finances in advance and reviewing payment options can make the process easier. Regenesys Education provides flexible payment options for its programmes and student support services, including career guidance.
It is also helpful to explore bursaries, employer-sponsored training, and instalment plans offered by institutions. Always keep proof of payments, as these are often required during applications. With good financial planning, you can focus on your training without unnecessary stress or interruption.
Read more on LLB Career Advantages: Benefits of Holding an LLB Degree.
Why Choose The LLB Programme At Regenesys Law School?
The LLB – Bachelor of Laws programme offered by Regenesys Law School combines legal theory and practical case work to prepare candidates for the next stage of professional training.
Regenesys Law School emphasises real-world case studies, ethics, and critical thinking that employers value. The faculty combine academic knowledge with applied tasks so that students practise drafting, argumentation, and client-facing skills.
The programme is an NQF Level 8 qualification with a curriculum that prepares graduates for the next stage, which is practical vocational training. If you plan to work in Johannesburg, choosing this LLB programme with practical exposure and career support will be of great benefit when you apply for PVTC placements.
Read more on LLB applications Open for 2026 Applications.
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Conclusion
To conclude, if you are an aspiring legal professional looking to get a clear idea of how to become a lawyer in Johannesburg, start with an accredited LLB programme. Follow this up with planning for Practical Vocational Training registration, and choose the training path (attorney or advocate) that matches your career aim.
For more information about the LLB programme in South Africa, visit the Regenesys Education website and check out the programme details.
Contact us today to speak with a career adviser and decide your career path in the field of law.
FAQs
What is the first step to becoming a lawyer in Johannesburg?
Complete an accredited LLB – Bachelor of Laws programme and check the admission rules for Practical Vocational Training.
How long does it take to qualify as an attorney?
Typically, it takes four years of LLB study plus about two years of practical vocational training to become an attorney.
Do I need to register with the Legal Practice Council?
Yes, you will need to register your Practical Vocational Training Contract (PVTC) and submit admission documents to the Legal Practice Council.
What is the difference between articles and pupillage?
Articles, also called PVTC, are the training period for individuals who want to become attorneys and work in law firms with clients. Pupillage is the training path for those who want to become advocates and mainly work in court, arguing cases before a judge.
Can I study law while working full-time?
Yes, many law students study while working by choosing flexible study options. However, you will need to plan your time carefully, especially during practical training.
