How To Become A Lawyer In Namibia

Who is a lawyer?

A lawyer or attorney is a person who practices law, as an advocate, attorney at law, barrister, barrister-at-law, bar-at-law, canonist, canon lawyer, civil law notary, counsel, counselor, solicitor, legal executive, or public servant preparing, interpreting and applying the law, but not as a paralegal or charter executive secretary.

How to become a lawyer in Namibia

The fact that a person has a law degree does not automatically make that person a legal practitioner.

You first have to obtain either a B Proc or LLB degree at a University (which is approved and published in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act). Study permits are required for studies at universities outside of Namibia.

Once you have successfully obtained your legal degree, you have the choice to become a legal practitioner or to seek employment where admission as a legal practitioner is not required.

In order to qualify and be admitted as a legal practitioner you are required to complete a year of practical legal training with an established law firm (or an institution approved by the Board of Legal Education) and complete a course at the Justice Training Centre after which you will be required to pass further examinations.

During this year you will be taught to apply the concepts which you learnt at university.

Upon obtaining the necessary certificates issued by the Justice Training Centre you can apply to the Court to be admitted as a legal practitioner.

Upon admission as a legal practitioner you will automatically become a member of the Law Society of Namibia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years does it take to study law in Namibia?

The curriculum for the LLB degree consists of four years full- time study, leading to a professional degree at level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

How much does a lawyer earn in Namibia?

A person working as an Attorney in Namibia typically earns around 33,300 NAD per month. Salaries range from 15,300 NAD (lowest) to 53,000 NAD (highest).

What subjects are needed to become a lawyer in Namibia?

A student must obtain a minimum of 30 points in five subjects according to UNAM rating with at least a B symbol in English as a Second Language or higher. In order to qualify for admission into the Faculty of Law, a student already admitted to a degree programme of the University of Namibia in a Faculty other than the Faculty of Law, should attain an overall average of 65%, at the end of the first year of study provided he/she did not fail any Course in that Faculty.

Does it take 8 years to become a lawyer in Namibia?

Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

How difficult is law school in Namibia?

You need to put in the necessary work throughout the program if you want to succeed. In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

How much does it cost to study law in Namibia?

Estimated fees paid by students studying Law course in Namibia is N$ 16,522 annually and that is for the Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Master of Laws (by Thesis) students pay N$ 24,976 and Doctor of Philosophy in Law N$ 30,963 annually.

How much does a judge earn in Namibia?

A person working as an Administrative Law Judge in Namibia typically earns around 47,300 NAD per month. Salaries range from 22,700 NAD (lowest) to 74,300 NAD (highest). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.

How many points are needed to become a lawyer in Namibia?

For most universities a minimum Admissions Point Score (APS) score of 21 points is need for admission, but you’ll find that certain universities requires a minimum of 33 points to study law.

Can I study law through distance learning in Namibia?

Yes you can do a number of Courses through distance education to become a lawyer. Check out the BGL course of Annamalai University and Madurai Kamraj University. You can even do for the LLM after BGL.

Is 50 too old for law school in Namibia?

It’s never too late in life to apply to law school. Although most applicants are under 25, roughly 20% are 30 or older, according to the Law School Admission Council. Many older law graduates build fulfilling second careers that draw upon both preexisting skills and experiences and those that law school provides.

What is the hardest class in law school in Namibia?

The hardest class in law school varies considerably depending on your personal interests, your professor, and how you think. Generally, more students find Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure the most difficult because they are far more abstract than other areas of law.

Which is the hardest year of law school in Namibia?

The first year (1L) Most students consider the first year of law school to be the most difficult. The material is more complex than they’re used to and it must be learned rapidly. What’s more, the way students are taught and tested is very different from high school or undergrad.

Are most lawyers rich in Namibia?

Most lawyers earn more of a solid middle-class income,” says Devereux. You probably will be carrying a large amount of student loan debt from law school, which is not at all ideal when you’re just starting out in your career.

How many years do lawyers study in Namibia?

The undergraduate programs, which are required as an initial step into getting a legal degree, take about four years to complete. Students can enroll in a law school, which generally requires four years to complete. Then, the next step for the student is to take a Bar exam.

At what age do most lawyers retire in Namibia?

In firms with mandatory retirement, 38% mandate retirement at 65; 36% at age 70. 27% of lawyers plan to retire early; 29% plan to retire at retirement age; 29% plan to retire later; 4% do not plan to retire at all; 11% are unsure.

Is 30 too old to become a lawyer in Namibia?

While many people go to law school shortly after college, it is possible to become a lawyer after you turn 30. Many students over 30 years old, also known as non-traditional students, have obligations that students who attend college immediately after high school do not, such as a career or a family.

How hard is evidence in law school in Namibia?

And remember that Evidence is considered one of the most difficult classes in law school! But despite having taken at least one course on these six subjects, you will still have to study them for the bar because law school often does not adequately prepare students for the bar exam.

Is property in law school hard in Namibia?

Property can be a challenging class for 1Ls. Not only is there a lot to remember, but Property utilizes old legal jargon that confuses students causing many people to struggle to grasp every aspect of the course.