Attorneys in South Africa

In South Africa, [1] Attorneys are lawyers who provide legal advice and representation to clients, aiding individuals and businesses in their legal dealings, and as required, handling related correspondence and writing up contracts.

One then serves "articles" as a candidate attorney with a practicing attorney for a period specified according to the qualification of the candidate (generally two years if an appropriate legal degree has been obtained); the length of articles may be reduced by attending a practical legal training course or performing community service.

The candidate must also write a "board exam" set by the relevant provincial Law Society.

The examination comprises the following: Although not formally required for practice, specialist training, e.g. in tax, is usually via specialised postgraduate diplomas or LL.M.

The split between attorney and advocate in South Africa mirrors the split between solicitor and barrister in other Commonwealth countries, with attorneys having broadly equivalent roles to solicitors and advocates having broadly equivalent roles to barristers.