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Can i become a lawyer with a Criminology Degree
i am currently studying towards my Criminology degree and along my studies i discovered that i want to be a lawyer (Criminal Defense Lawyer) now my question is will i be able to become a lawyer with this degree or do i have to enroll again with a Law school and start an LLB degree?
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5 answers
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Katharine’s Answer
Absolutely. You can become a lawyer with any type of accredited degree, you do not have to follow an undergraduate legal track. In fact, for many lawyer jobs an undergraduate degree in other areas, e.g. science (patent and health law), international studies (immigration and public international law), music and arts (entertainment law and intellectual property law), etc. can set you on your path to specialization in these areas. Remember, it is of great importance to know exactly which type of law you wish to practice before you go to law school!
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Tina’s Answer
Hi Ketshepaone-
It looks like in South Africa, you can become a lawyer with a bachelor's degree. However, the degree must come from an accredited law school.
I hope this helps!
Tina
It looks like in South Africa, you can become a lawyer with a bachelor's degree. However, the degree must come from an accredited law school.
I hope this helps!
Tina
I am studying with University of South Africa.. My confusion is that with Bachelor's Degree in Criminology will it be possible to be a lawyer after I complete my degree?
ketshepaone
The degree isn't the issue, it's more so whether or not the program is accredited. You may be able to find this information on the school criminology program website.
Tina Luzzi
The program which I enrolled for it is fully accredited
ketshepaone
What I read is that the program needs to be from an accredited law school. Is your criminology program within a law school?
Tina Luzzi
Thank you so much
ketshepaone
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Yes you can, but you will also need to take some legal classes and take the bar exam. You should speak to an academic advisor and someone who is already a lawyer for the best route to take. Best of luck.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi!
It appears that the requirement to practice law in South Africa is an LLB degree (law).
It also appears that in South Africa, it MAY be possible to go straight to law school without first getting an undergraduate degree. I say MAY because even though that may be allowed, it appears that all or most of the law schools in South Africa require some sort of undergraduate degree, with a BComm or BA being the most popular undergraduate studies. It appears a 2 year degree may also be possible.
I say "appears" because there seems to be some change going on as to how to get into law school and how long it lasts. I recommend you look at the various law schools in South Africa for more information on their admissions requirements. https://www.hg.org/law-schools-south-africa.asp
South Africa requires an LLB. It also requires that you practice law for a while before you can sit for the bar exam. I think that's an awesome idea. I believe it is a 24 month requirement. So, yes, you will need an LLB.
It appears that the requirement to practice law in South Africa is an LLB degree (law).
It also appears that in South Africa, it MAY be possible to go straight to law school without first getting an undergraduate degree. I say MAY because even though that may be allowed, it appears that all or most of the law schools in South Africa require some sort of undergraduate degree, with a BComm or BA being the most popular undergraduate studies. It appears a 2 year degree may also be possible.
I say "appears" because there seems to be some change going on as to how to get into law school and how long it lasts. I recommend you look at the various law schools in South Africa for more information on their admissions requirements. https://www.hg.org/law-schools-south-africa.asp
South Africa requires an LLB. It also requires that you practice law for a while before you can sit for the bar exam. I think that's an awesome idea. I believe it is a 24 month requirement. So, yes, you will need an LLB.
Thank you so much really appreciate it
ketshepaone
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
I suggest you contact your university and/or the law school you wish to attend (if it's different) to discuss your specific situation. Most universities are happy to meet with you to figure out what credits/degrees will transfer from one program to another. You might get credit for some courses (likely in criminal law!) but you might need to take additional classes for the LLB.
I think many of the responses above apply to the U.S. undergrad-then-law-school approach, which is very different than your LLB system. (The U.S. system allows greater flexibility for the 4 year undergrad degree, but gets very specific for the additional 3 year JD degree - requiring a total of 7 years at uni.)
Contact your university and/or the law school you wish to attend for advice applicable to your specific situation.
I think many of the responses above apply to the U.S. undergrad-then-law-school approach, which is very different than your LLB system. (The U.S. system allows greater flexibility for the 4 year undergrad degree, but gets very specific for the additional 3 year JD degree - requiring a total of 7 years at uni.)
Desiree recommends the following next steps: