What are Lawyers?
A lawyer (also called attorney, counsel, or counselor) is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters.
Top Paid Lawyers In South Africa
Below are some of the Top Paid Lawyers.
- 1. Civil Litigation Lawyers
Lawyers that are in the litigation sector are known to always be in high demand in South Africa. This is because people usually resort back to them during financial losses or use litigation as a tool for cash flow in order to prevent paying cash owed. 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.
- Green Lawyers (Environmental Lawyers)
In today’s world, there has been a surge in environmental issues like the use of technology, renewable energy, managing carbon assets, etc. Therefore, lawyers with vast experience in global issues are known to have the upper hand. In fact, issues like global warming; climate change, greenhouse gas, etc have been predicted to drastically increase the legal work of environmental lawyers in the coming years.
- Bankruptcy Lawyers
Bankruptcy lawyers are also known to be among the types of lawyers in high demand in South Africa. Even though the economy of the country is known to be stabilized previously, the COVID era has also drastically affected the economy of the country. Hence, lawyers that are known to have a vast knowledge of bankruptcy are highly sought after in the country. In fact, the economy has also prompted many business owners to seek the help of bankruptcy lawyers to help maintain their assets.
- Labor and Employment Lawyers
Another set of most sought-after lawyers is labor and employment lawyers in South Africa. Due to the COVID issue, the economy is dying with many businesses downsizing coupled with a declining job market. Hence, the employability lawsuits are on the increase and the set of lawyers with experience in this niche are known to be in high demand. In fact, research carried out by corporate counsel predicted that labor and employment disputes will account for a significant number of employability lawsuits.
- Foreclosure Lawyer
Foreclosure lawyers are also one of the in-demand types of lawyers in South Africa. The effects of COVID-19 on the economy also make many homeowners struggle with the payment of their mortgages. Hence, lawyers that are known to be vast in the knowledge of foreclosure are known to be in high demand in order for South Africans to cope with the payment of a mortgage.
- Intellectual Property Lawyers
The next sets of lawyers that are known to be in high demand in the country are intellectual property lawyers. Intellectual property is known to be the most valuable asset of any organization. Lawyers with experience in intellectual property are important to businesses, authors, inventors, etc. The world is in competition nowadays and hence only properties that are secured will only survive the heat. In fact, as long as there are new inventions, there will always be a need for intellectual attorneys.
- E-Discovery Lawyers
Another set of lawyers that are in high demand in South Africa are the E-Discovery Lawyers. E-Discovery Lawyers are known to help corporations challenge the task of managing their data stored electronically. In other words, they help identify preserve, collect, process, review, and produce data.
- Defamation Lawyers
Defamation lawyers are also known to be in high demand in South Africa. Defamation lawyers are a subset of civil lawyers and they help in fighting for those who defame. With the rapid increase in slandering and libel across the globe, Lawyers that are experienced in handling the situation are usually in high demand.
- Personal Injury Lawyers
This is the type of lawyer that helps in getting compensation for any injury you might experience. Injuries such as car accidents, domestic injuries, etc are what they help in getting compensation for. However, specialized personal injury lawyers can also help you with compensation if the injury is from a third party.
- Estate Planning Lawyers
These are the set of lawyers that helps in wills and trusts. In addition, they can also help you in drawing up a will in order for you to be able to successfully pass your assets to your downline. They can also help in setting up a trust that will help in taking care of the financial need of your children.
- Immigration Lawyers
There are different issues that might arise when you are migrating from one part of the World to another. When such issues arise, the best type of lawyer to consult is the immigration lawyer. They are known to be well vast in the knowledge of visas, citizenship, refugee or asylum, green card, etc.
- Family Lawyers
This is the type of attorney to go for when you are in need of a prenuptial agreement or engaged in divorce proceedings or involved in any child custody or spousal support battle. These lawyers are known to have the necessary expertise needed to sort the matter out for you.
- Social Security Disability Lawyer
The social security disability system is a very complex system to easily be comprehended by an average individual. Hence, in order to successfully navigate through the system, it is important to consult with an attorney that specializes in social security disability. Some of the likely issues they might help you with include eligibility issues, launching an appeal of a decision to deprive you of your benefits, or sorting out the reduction or termination of your benefits.
- General Practice Lawyer
Unlike other types of lawyers that are known to specialize in a single field, a general practice lawyer is known to have vast experience in many legal fields. When you are consulting with this type of lawyer, it is important for you to know the level of experience he or she has in the area you are having issues with.
- Merger & Acquisition Lawyer
This is the type of lawyer that deals with the buying and selling of companies. Buying and selling a company can be a very tedious activity and hence it is important to have the presence of an experienced lawyer during the process. Most of the lawyers in this field are also known to have vast knowledge of finance and securities law, tax law, etc.
- Traffic Lawyer
This is the type of lawyer in South Africa that is known to help fight traffic citations or give you advice about whether you have any chance of getting out of a speeding ticket or for violating red light. Sometimes, most of them are known to be criminal lawyers that also help criminals fight their cases.
Can a South African lawyer practice in Dubai?
Foreign lawyers can practice local law, but only a Dubai national can appear in court in Dubai.
Which law is in demand in South Africa?
The areas of specialization in demand include personal accident, corporate, divorce, real estate, intellectual property, criminal, litigation, and immigration law.
Is becoming a lawyer in South Africa worth it?
Working as an attorney in South Africa can be very rewarding according to Business Tech. As a junior attorney (just after qualifying as an attorney) you can expect to earn around R400 000 – R550 000 per year.
Who is the youngest lawyer in South Africa?
Continuing to pursue his aspirations, Mr. Mathopo entered the workforce with a drive to excel. He joined Maisels Chambers-Group 3 and became one of the youngest advocates in South Africa at age 22. Mr. Mathopo, now 24 years old, aspires to become a judge at the Supreme Court.