Immigration lawyers interpret the law, help you analyze your own rights, possibilities, and strategies, and guide you.
What do immigration lawyers do?
The immigration issues that have seen intense political debate and media coverage in recent years are only part of the story.
The South Africa s sees a constant influx of people hoping to live, work, and study within its borders, and immigration lawyers can help individuals, families, and businesses navigate those various and often complex immigration pathways.
A person’s immigration status might impact and intersect with other legal matters too, such as family law, criminal law, business, and tax law, and being well versed in immigration law is necessary for attorneys practicing in those areas as well.
What does immigration law pay?
It’s no secret that legal careers tend to pay well, though individual lawyers’ salaries can vary considerably, even within the same legal specialty, like immigration law. The services you offer, clientele you serve, and area of the country you practice in can all affect earning potential.
Career Requirement
Degree Requirements | Bachelor’s degree, Juris Doctor degree |
Job Responsibilities | Communicate with clients, research cases, write motions and argue in court |
Licensure | Pass the bar examination in the state where you will practice |
Job Outlook (2018-2028) | 6% for all lawyers* |
Average Salary (2018) | R 2179762.14for all lawyers* |
Below is How to Become An Immigration Lawyer In South Africa
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Before attending law school, future lawyers first obtain a bachelor’s degree. Your bachelor’s degree can be in any concentration, but some make it easier to get into law school, as they provide you with significant skills and knowledge that can enhance your legal career. Recommended concentrations during your undergraduate studies include:
History
English
Philosophy
Political science
Economics
International studies
Obtain a J.D.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, it’s time to pursue your J.D. from a law school. If you have the option, it’s helpful to choose a concentration or specialization in immigration law to better prepare yourself for your future career.
This is not technically necessary to become an immigration lawyer, but it will give you more experience within the field, which can then help you after obtaining your law license.
Gain hands-on experience
Throughout your studies and after graduation, it’s essential to gain hands-on experience, as many clients and employers look for this when considering who to hire. Whenever possible, seek out internships, volunteer opportunities and part-time jobs that allow you to gain exposure to anything related to your specialization.
Develop your skills
As you work and study, find time to work on your skills. Along with the skills that all effective lawyers employ, immigration lawyers have another set of skills to focus on. Skills that all lawyers utilize include:
Researching
Public speaking
Reading and writing
Analytical thinking
Problem solving
Earn certifications
While you’re not required to earn a specific certification to become an immigration lawyer, obtaining certifications can help make you a more attractive option to clients, especially in some states.
For example, California, Florida, North Carolina and Texas all now offer specializations in immigration law through their respective bar associations. Passing one of their certification tests demonstrates to potential clients the level of your competence in immigration law.
How much does a immigration lawyer earn in South Africa?
An early career Immigration Consultant with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R160,000 based on 9 salaries. A mid-career Immigration Consultant with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R210,000 based on 8 salaries.
What qualifications do you need to be a immigration lawyer?
Entry requirements
The usual qualification for entry to the LLM programme is a degree in law, or a degree with a substantial law content, of at least 2.1 honours (or equivalent). Law graduates with 2.2 honours who also have other legal qualifications and/or substantial professional legal experience may also qualify.
How many years does it take to be an immigration lawyer in South Africa ?
From High School Graduate to Licensed Attorney
All told, an aspiring immigration lawyer needs a total of seven years of full-time study after high school to obtain a Juris Doctor degree. He will also need a few more months to pass the bar exam and meet local bar association requirements.
What type of lawyer is highest paid in South Africa?
Top earners include General Counsel (GC) and partners, both of which can expect to take home R5 million a year at the high-end of market. At the other end of the scale, candidate attorneys can expect to earn between R250,000 and R300,000 a year at top law firms.
Can immigration lawyer speed up process in South Africa ?
While an immigration attorney cannot per say “speed up” your case, the immigration attorney is knowledgeable in immigration law and will know the best strategy and options for your case. Undeniably, this avoids any unreasonable delay by anyone lacking specialized knowledge in this area of law.
Do you need a lawyer for immigration in South Africa ?
You will definitely want to consult with an attorney who practices immigration law if: you are uncertain about your basic eligibility for a green card or other immigration benefit. you have received government assistance while living in the S.A . or are concerned that you might be inadmissible for some other reason.
Is there a demand for lawyers in South Africa?
Lawyers that are in the litigation sector are known to always be in high demand in South Africa. Therefore, lawyers that are experienced in areas like complex civil litigation, commercial litigation, insurance defense, labor and employment, and other related niches are always in high demand in the country.
How much do lawyers in South Africa earn per month?
A Junior Attorney in South Africa usually earns an average Salary of R 15,922 per month. A Senior Attorney is higher in level than a Junior Attorney, having 4- 10 years of Professional experience. Hence, their Salary is usually higher with an estimated Average Salary of R 30,000 per month.
What are the 4 types of immigration?
When immigrating to the SA, there are four different immigration status categories that immigrants may fall into: citizens, residents, non-immigrants, and undocumented immigrants.