Paralegal Salary in South Africa

Law enthusiasts have an excellent opportunity to work with the famous and most competent law experts. There are hundreds of seats available for the paralegal, also known as the assistant of lawyers or attorneys, to assist them with research work and document preparation. A paralegal provides different services to his seniors, such as case management, client interaction, courtroom assistance, and administrative support.

Occupation:	Paralegal
Monthly Salary Range:	R 10800 – R 37400
Average Monthly Salary:	R 24100
Description:	A paralegal assists a lawyer or attorney prepare documents, conduct research, interact with clients, and manage the case.
Minimum Qualification:	There is no specific qualification level required. Candidates often pursue diplomas for Paralegal, Bachelor of Law, or a Higher Certificate for Paralegal Studies.

The duties seem harsh, raising concern about whether paralegals get adequate amounts commensurate with the efforts they invest in their jobs. The salary of a paralegal depends upon a list of factors, of which his qualifications and years of experience are the top ones. Come with me to study the factors that influence the salaries of paralegals and see their responsibilities with the extras they get from seniors.

Paralegal Salary

Most people confuse the position of a paralegal with a personal assistant role, but they are two distinct positions. A paralegal assists the lawyer or attorney; senior law experts often hire him. The government can provide a paralegal servant if you are a government employee. There is no specific level of qualification required for paralegals, as some LLB lawyers are associated with seniors for experience, while some pursue diplomas for paralegal positions.

The lowest salary recorded is R10,800, and the maximum income of a paralegal is R37,400. The amount may vary if you compare it with your area paralegal salary because the types of cities also determine it. Cities have more cases than the backward areas, and famous lawyers who can afford a paralegal like to practice in cities rather than the small districts, so the average income of a paralegal in major cities is about R23,500.

Extras

The salary amount is lower than expected, and one can estimate that he cannot make both ends meet with these figures. Some paralegal servants also get extras such as the individual goal bonus, rental expenses, and yearly allowances. 58% of paralegal servants receive extras, while 42% are deprived of the facilities.

If the government or a law organization hires you, it will provide you with all these extras. On the other hand, if you are associated with a senior lawyer or attorney for experience and practice after graduation, the chances of receiving facilities are meager. A paralegal receives accommodation, individual-based bonuses, company achievement bonuses, and yearly allowances from the controlling bodies.

Salary Structure

Paralegal servants do not have a complicated salary structure. Most people who pursue a paralegal career go further and become successful lawyers. Mostly, people spend 4 to 6 years with senior lawyers to understand the law and its practices, and in case someone does not want to pursue the law, his salary increases with time as a paralegal.

Years of Experience	Salary in Rands
0 – 2 Years	R12,300
2 – 5 Years	R16,400
5 – 10 Years	R24,200
10 – 15 Years	R29,500
15 – 20 Years	R32,200
20+ Years	R34,900

Responsibilities of a Paralegal

1. Legal Research: The purpose of a paralegal is to research and provide relevant data to seniors. A lawyer is engaged in a list of cases simultaneously and cannot conduct legal research, so he hires a paralegal to provide him with information related to issues.
2. Document Preparation: A paralegal is responsible for preparing documents, from briefs and pleadings to affidavits.
3. Interaction With Client: A paralegal also deals with clients in the absence of his seniors. He is responsible for satisfying clients, providing them with relevant information, and addressing them with the upcoming issues in the case.

FAQs

What do you need to be a paralegal in South Africa?

There are no specific criteria for the recruitment of paralegals. You should know the law, understand legal works, and have polished law skills.

Can a paralegal work independently in South Africa?

Yes, a paralegal can work independently in South Africa.

Is paralegal in high demand in South Africa?

The demand for paralegals is increasing day by day. There are 30,000 practicing attorneys in the country, each requiring a paralegal servant.

If you are looking for an easy job and want to become a future lawyer, choose paralegal studies. Several vacancies are available in the country, from the government to the private sector, or you can also work independently. The salary is low, but it increases over time, and you can pursue a career as a paralegal after the intermediate studies.