Becoming A Law Lecturer: A Guide For South Africans

If you're considering a career as a law lecturer in South Africa, there are several qualifications and requirements you need to meet. Firstly, you'll need a degree in law, preferably from a top law school, and it is essential to achieve excellent grades. Following this, gaining experience practicing law as a barrister or solicitor is crucial, with some sources suggesting a minimum of ten years. During this time, it is beneficial to establish yourself as an expert in your field and develop a strong academic record. Additionally, you should cultivate a passion for teaching law and gain some teaching experience at a tertiary institution. While it is challenging to secure a permanent lectureship without a Ph.D., having a Master's degree in Law and being engaged in a doctoral program are advantageous. Networking with law school deans and administrators is also an effective way to increase your chances of obtaining a law lecturer position in South Africa.

Academic qualifications

To become a law lecturer in South Africa, you will need to obtain a degree in law, and a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school. It is also highly recommended that you have some experience practising law, and a passion for teaching law students.

The minimum academic qualification to become a law lecturer in South Africa is a bachelor's degree and a postgraduate qualification in a subject relevant to what you will be teaching. A master's degree in law is also highly recommended, and you should be engaged in the process of obtaining a doctoral degree.

In South Africa, a law degree is known as an LLB, which takes a minimum of four years to complete. To be admitted as a legal practitioner in South Africa, you must also complete a Practical Vocational Training Contract (PVTC), which includes a period of service and compulsory practical legal training.

After obtaining your LLB, you can apply for a position of service under articles of clerkship, which is a training period conducted in a law firm and generally lasts two years. This can be shortened to one year if you complete a full-time course at a School for Legal Practice, which takes approximately six months.

Once you have completed at least six months of your articles of clerkship, you can take the Attorney's Admission Examination, which covers the following areas:

• Practice and Procedure
• Wills and Estates
• Attorneys' Practice
• Contracts and Rules of Conduct
• Legal Bookkeeping

To become a law lecturer, you will also need to demonstrate excellent academic achievement and teaching experience in a tertiary institution in the legal field. It is beneficial to have a good academic record, with first-class or upper-second-class honours.

Additionally, having academic work published is common for law lecturers, and it is important to stay up to date with the latest research and developments in the field of law.

While it is possible to become a lecturer without a Ph.D., it is highly uncommon, and most lecturers in South Africa hold this qualification. Obtaining a Ph.D. will open up more opportunities for you and demonstrate expertise in your field.

Practical experience

Understanding the Requirements

To become a law lecturer in South Africa, you'll need to meet certain practical experience requirements. These may vary slightly depending on the specific university or position you're applying for, but there are some standard expectations:

• Legal Practice Experience: Most law lecturer positions in South Africa require you to have some experience practising law as a barrister or solicitor. This practical experience allows you to bring real-world insights into your lectures and helps you connect theoretical concepts with their practical applications. The amount of legal practice experience required can vary. Some institutions may look for established experts with 10 or more years of national-level or renowned experience. However, don't be discouraged if you have less experience, as there are still opportunities available.
• Teaching Experience: In addition to legal practice, you will need to have some teaching experience in a tertiary institution within the legal field. This could include lecturing at a university or college, and ideally, you should aim for at least one year of teaching experience. This demonstrates your ability to convey legal concepts effectively and your passion for educating law students.

Gaining Legal Practice Experience

If you haven't yet gained legal practice experience, here are some steps to guide you:

• Complete Your Legal Education: The first step is to ensure you have the necessary legal qualifications. In South Africa, this typically involves obtaining an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree, which can take a minimum of four years to complete. Make sure your legal education is obtained from a recognised institution, either within South Africa or from approved countries with qualifications equivalent to South African standards.
• Articles of Clerkship: Once you have your LLB, apply for a position of service under articles of clerkship. This is a training period where you'll work in a law firm, typically for two years. It can be shortened to one year if you complete a full-time course at a School for Legal Practice in approximately six months. During this time, you'll be guided by a supervisor, known as a principal, who will help you gain practical legal skills.
• Pass the Attorney's Admission Examination: After completing at least six months of your articles of clerkship, you can take the Attorney's Admission Examination. This examination has four parts, covering various legal topics, and it's an essential step toward becoming a qualified attorney.
• Complete Mandatory Practice Management Training: As part of becoming an attorney in South Africa, you must also complete a short course on Practice Management to obtain your first Fidelity Fund Certificate.

Gaining Teaching Experience

If you haven't yet gained teaching experience, here are some suggestions:

• Lecturing at Tertiary Institutions: Look for opportunities to lecture or teach at universities or colleges. Even part-time or adjunct positions can help you gain valuable experience and build your CV. Reach out to law schools and express your interest in teaching.
• Tutoring or Mentoring: Consider offering tutoring services to law students or mentoring aspiring lawyers. This can provide you with valuable experience in conveying legal concepts to others and may even lead to networking opportunities within the academic community.
• Guest Lecturing: Contact law schools and offer to be a guest lecturer for specific topics or seminars. This can get your foot in the door and allow you to gain experience in a less formal capacity.
• Online Teaching: With the rise of online learning, you may find opportunities to teach or create legal courses online. This can be a flexible way to build your teaching experience while also reaching a wider audience.

Remember, the key to gaining practical experience is to be proactive and seek out opportunities. Don't be afraid to reach out to institutions and offer your services, as sometimes, they may have openings or needs that align with your goals.

Personal attributes

To become a law lecturer in South Africa, you must have certain personal attributes. Firstly, you need to be qualified. This includes having a degree in law, such as a Juris Doctorate, and potentially a PhD. Some sources suggest that a PhD is essential, while others suggest that a master's degree is sufficient. Either way, you will need to demonstrate excellent academic achievement.

Secondly, you need to have experience. This could be experience as a practising lawyer, such as a barrister or solicitor, or teaching experience in a tertiary institution in the legal field. Some sources suggest that you need at least one year of teaching experience, while others suggest a minimum of ten years.

Thirdly, you need to have a passion for teaching law students. This includes having strong interpersonal skills, speaking skills, and writing skills. You also need to be able to create engaging lectures, using tools such as PowerPoint presentations and handouts.

Finally, you need to be able to network and promote yourself. This includes networking with law school deans and other legal professionals, as well as being able to articulate how your expertise will further the law school's mission.

University applications

When applying for a lecturing position at a university in South Africa, you will need to provide evidence of your qualifications, teaching experience, and research interests.

The minimum requirement for lecturing at a university in South Africa is a bachelor's degree and a postgraduate qualification (usually a PhD) in the subject you wish to teach. For law lecturers, this means having a degree in law and, in most cases, a PhD in law. Some universities may also require you to have a teaching qualification or certificate.

In addition to your academic qualifications, universities will be looking for evidence of your teaching experience. This could include previous lecturing positions, tutoring, or supervising students. If you have limited teaching experience, you may want to consider completing a teaching course or gaining some practical experience before applying.

Universities will also be interested in your research interests and accomplishments. Lecturers are often expected to conduct research and publish their work, so it is important to showcase any research projects, publications, or presentations you have been involved in.

When applying for a lecturing position, you will typically need to submit a CV, cover letter, and teaching statement. The teaching statement is a crucial part of your application, as it allows you to highlight your teaching philosophy, experience, and interests. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate how your expertise and skills align with the university's goals and mission.

It is worth noting that competition for lecturing positions in South Africa can be fierce, and even highly qualified candidates may face challenges in securing a permanent position. Networking and making connections within the academic community can be beneficial, as many universities prefer to hire established experts in their fields. Attending legal events, conferences, and fundraisers can be a good way to meet potential employers and get your name out there.

Finally, keep an eye out for job postings, as universities typically advertise open positions in late summer or early fall, and be prepared to provide additional materials such as reference letters or samples of your teaching materials if requested.

Alternative routes

If you don't have a degree in law, there are still ways to become a law lecturer in South Africa. Networking is key; try to network with law school deans at legal events and fundraisers to get your name out there. You could also contact schools directly about lecture positions, but be prepared with a course proposal and a clear explanation of how your expertise will further the law school's mission.

It is also possible to become a law lecturer without a PhD, although this is very difficult. You will need to have a degree, masters, and other qualifications, and you may have to pay for additional courses.

In South Africa, the average salary for a lecturer is about R 4 003 142 per year or R 2 053 142 per hour, with entry-level salaries ranging from R 342 000 to R 8 200 296 annually. Lecturing is a rewarding career, allowing you to talk about a subject you are passionate about and guide the next generation of lawyers.

Frequently asked questions