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When can you use the title advocate?
“Advocate” is in some languages an honorific for lawyers, such as “Adv. Sir Alberico Gentili”. “Advocate” also has the everyday meaning of speaking out to help someone else, such as patient advocacy or the support expected from an elected politician; this article does not cover those senses.
Is advocate a title in South Africa?
On the recommendation of the Bar Councils, an advocate “of proven experience and skill” with at least ten years experience, may be appointed by the President of South Africa as a Senior Counsel (SC; also referred to as a “silk”). There is no mentioning of honouring the title of “Advocate” in civil life.
What is an advocate in South Africa?
An advocate is more of a specialist practitioner and provides his or her services by way of specialised expertise in various areas of the law – sometimes by providing an opinion on a legal issue but especially in the presentation of cases in court.
Can I be an advocate?
Anyone can be an advocate. An advocate is simply someone who: is committed to change; is willing and able to publicly share their commitment; and is open to increasing their knowledge and understanding of the issue.
Do advocates draft legal documents?
Advocates also give legal opinions and help with the drafting of legal documents that are required in every walk of life, be they commercial, industrial or domestic.
Who can act as an advocate?
Friends, family or carers can be an advocate for you, if you want them to. It can be really helpful to get support from someone close to you, who you trust.
Can you be both an attorney and an advocate?
It is also possible for an attorney to decide to become an advocate, and to seek admission to the Bar after having worked as an attorney for some time.
How long does it take to be an advocate in South Africa?
A ‘silk’ is an advocate of proven experience and skill, who after at least ten years of practice is appointed by the President of South Africa as a senior consultus (SC).
How do you qualify to be advocate in South Africa?
The basic requirement is an LLB degree from any South African university. Having achieved this, the next step is to apply to the High Court to be included on the ‘roll’ of advocates. To do this, an applicant must satisfy the court that he/she is both qualified and able to be a member of the profession.