⚖️ So You Want to Study Law? Here’s What to Know (Including the AI Impact)

Thinking about studying Law after school? It’s one of the most respected careers in South Africa—and for good reason. But before you or your child jumps in, it’s important to understand what the legal world looks like today, and how it’s changing fast thanks to technology and AI.

💼 Why Law Is Still a Strong Career Path

Law remains a powerful, stable, and flexible profession. It teaches:

• Analytical thinking
• Writing and communication
• Problem-solving
• Understanding of human systems and justice

South Africa needs skilled, ethical lawyers in areas such as:

• Family law
• Corporate and commercial law
• NGOs and government
• Human rights advocacy
• Emerging legal areas like tech, crypto, and AI regulation

🤖 But Will AI Replace Lawyers?

AI tools are changing the legal world. Tools like ChatGPT and Harvey AI can now:

• Draft simple contracts
• Summarise documents
• Assist with legal research
• Predict case outcomes

But AI cannot:

• Provide strategic advice
• Build client trust
• Make ethical decisions
• Represent clients in complex emotional matters

Key Insight: Smart lawyers won’t be replaced—they’ll be the ones using AI as a tool.

📚 What Subjects Should You Take in High School?

While there are no mandatory subjects for Law, the following provide a strong foundation:

• English HL or FAL: Crucial for reading, writing, and comprehension
• History: Develops logic and argument
• Business Studies or EMS: Useful for corporate law
• Maths or Maths Lit: Enhances logical thinking

Optional boosters:

• Life Orientation (for ethics and reflection)
• Afrikaans or isiZulu (especially for local legal work)

🎓 What to Study After School?

To become a lawyer in South Africa, you’ll need an LLB degree (typically 4 years full-time).

Study paths include:

• Direct entry into LLB after matric (e.g. UP, UJ, UWC, UKZN, UNISA)
• BA/BCom + LLB combo (adds an extra year but widens career options)
• Paralegal/legal assistant studies at private colleges or TVETs

Post-degree requirements:

• Articles of clerkship (2 years)
• Board exams
• Pupillage (if becoming an advocate)

👥 Want to Work in Law But Not Be a Lawyer?

Law-adjacent careers that don’t require an LLB include:

• Compliance officer
• Legal tech consultant
• Forensic investigator
• Contract manager
• Policy advisor or legal researcher
• Paralegal or court assistant

🧠 Final Advice for Parents and Students

Law isn’t just about prestige—it’s about persistence. It requires commitment and strong academics, but offers flexibility and long-term relevance—especially when paired with tech skills.

Encouragement: If your child is curious, analytical, and great with language—Law may be the perfect fit.

Want help mapping the full Law career path—or figuring out if it suits your child?
Let’s explore it together.