Herlegalvoice

As a student in South Africa, creating a solid CV might seem daunting—especially if you're still in school or college and don't have much work experience. However, the reality is this: you don’t need a degree or an official job title to create an impressive CV. What really counts is how effectively you showcase your skills, experiences, and potential.  Whether you're looking for internships, part-time jobs, scholarships, or leadership roles, this guide provides practical tips to improve your CV and help you stand out.  🧠 1. Gain Relevant Experience (Even If It’s Unpaid)  You don’t have to wait for your first “real job” to start gaining experience. Take the initiative and look for opportunities that will help you learn and demonstrate your abilities.  Internships Seek out internship positions during your holidays, even if they’re unpaid. These experiences provide valuable exposure and help you build a strong network.  Part-Time Jobs Positions in reta...

If you're considering a law degree in South Africa, you might be feeling excited, anxious, and possibly a bit overwhelmed. Law school can be very rewarding intellectually, but it also requires a lot of hard work. The more ready you are before attending your first class, the better your experience will be.  Whether you're a high school student thinking about your future or are already applying to universities, this guide will help you get ready for law school in South Africa.  📚 Academic Preparation  1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation  To get into a good law program in South Africa, you need a strong academic record. Focus on:  English: Good reading and writing skills are crucial for understanding legal texts and creating legal arguments.  Subjects like History, Politics, Economics, and Mathematics: These subjects can improve your analytical thinking, give you useful background for legal studies, and demonstrate to universities that you can h...

The legal field is experiencing a quiet transformation driven by technology.  Previously dependent on large volumes of paperwork and face-to-face meetings, South Africa’s legal industry is now adopting digital tools that enhance efficiency, cut costs, and make legal services easier to access. This transformation is called legal tech, and it’s changing how lawyers, law firms, and courts function.  📌 What is Legal Tech?  Legal technology (legal tech) involves using software and online platforms to assist, streamline, or automate legal services. These tools can be anything from basic case management software to advanced systems that utilize artificial intelligence for tasks like legal research or document review.  Whether you’re studying law, practicing as an attorney, or working in legal research, using legal tech has become essential — it represents the future of the profession.  🔧 Key Areas Where Legal Tech is Making an Impact  1. Case Managem...

As the legal field changes, some areas of law are growing more quickly than others due to shifts in society, the economy, and technology. For law students, graduates, or anyone considering a legal career, understanding which legal fields are in high demand in South Africa can help you make smart decisions about your future.  Here’s a look at the top legal specializations that are currently sought after and their importance in today’s South Africa.  ⚖️ 1. Corporate Law  Corporate law remains one of the most needed areas in the legal profession. Corporate lawyers help businesses with mergers and acquisitions, create contracts, ensure compliance with laws, assist in restructuring, and provide general advice. As more startups and international companies invest in South Africa, there is a growing need for legal guidance on business operations.  Reasons for its demand:  - Ongoing economic growth - Increased foreign investment - Business regulations and tax...

A Personal Reflection by a Current Law Student  When I decided to study law, I pictured exciting courtroom drama, confident lawyers arguing about human rights, and the chance to make a difference in the world. While some of that excitement still motivates me, the reality of law school has proven to be more complicated — and at times tougher — than I anticipated.  Here are some things I wish I had known before starting my journey.  1. It’s Not Just About Passion — It’s About Stamina  I cared deeply about justice, but I didn’t realize how tough law school would be. The amount of reading is overwhelming. Some cases are more than 50 pages long, and the legal language can be hard to understand. While passion is important, having endurance and discipline is equally crucial.  What I do now: I manage my time with the Pomodoro technique, summarize cases into shorter pieces, and ask for help when needed.  2. It’s Easy to Feel Out of Place  Imposter s...

Choosing a legal specialty is one of the most crucial choices you’ll face as a law student, but it can also feel quite overwhelming. With so many options available—such as criminal, corporate, family, intellectual property, and human rights law—how do you determine which area is the best fit for you?  The good news is that you don’t need to have everything figured out right away. The important thing is to explore your interests, think about your strengths, and reflect on your values.  Here’s a helpful guide to assist you in identifying which area of law might be right for you:  🎓 1. Think About What Inspired You to Study Law  What was your main reason for wanting to pursue a career in law? Was it to stand up against injustice, argue cases in court, handle contracts, or impact public policy? Sometimes, your initial motivation can guide you toward the right path.  If you are passionate about justice and social change → Look into human rights law, cons...

In our last article, we looked at five common areas of law: Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Environmental Law. However, there’s much more to the legal field than just these.  If you're still deciding which area of law to pursue, here are five additional specialized careers that might align with your interests and skills.  1. Labour and Employment Lawyer  Labour lawyers focus on the legal relationships between employers, employees, and trade unions. They address issues such as workplace discrimination, employment contracts, unfair dismissals, wage disputes, and collective bargaining.  This path is great for you if: You care about workers’ rights, resolving workplace conflicts, or advising businesses on following labour laws.  Tip: This area is always important in South Africa because understanding employment equity and labour law compliance is essential.  2. Tax Lawyer  Tax lawyers help clients underst...