How to apply to a TOP 5 LAW FIRM in South Africa in 2021
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- #getcorporateready #graduates #law #students #applications
This video is centred around the things that you NEED to know to prepare yourself for applications to a TOP 5 Law Firm!
This is the information that a lot of you don't know about and its important that as you start your studies at University, you get in there with the knowledge of what we expect on our end.
I highlight 4 key aspects in this video as follows:
1. Competitiveness of the Industry
2. Applying 2-3 years ahead of time
3. Academic Average matters
4. Be Passionate about the law
5. Have Confidence in your ability
6. Having the right qualification
7.Vacation programmes
The BONUS point is the following link to the BOWMANS VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE programme below:
www.theforage.com/virtual-int...
Do let me know what was the key takeaway for you in this video, and let me know which other aspects you would like me to cover in upcoming videos...
Bohlale i am so happy to have met you, i am in my first year of law school and i am doing research and i found you, i cant wait for more videos like these, you are a great help. Hopefully ill get to meet you one day😁🤗. I think i have just found my mentor 🤗💃🏾💃🏾
Thanks so much for your comment 🙏🏾✨I appreciate it!! So glad that you found my channel... do share it with other students as well... it’s so important for students to know this information, it’ll really help you know how to navigate your career!! 🙌🏾💞
Thank you so so much for this!! I would not have known this great advice if you had not made this video! Really appreciate it.
Only a pleasure!!! 🙌🏾💯 all the best with the process!!
thank you this really helped a lot, especially matter regarding the first year marks. I didn't know that they are important.
I would like to say thank you so much for taking the time to make this video, this helps a lot🙏❤️
Only a pleasure, glad that it was useful!!
Came to your channel after the virtual career fair. I'm very glad to of found you, the information given was insightful and helpful. Thank you so much 💛
Glad you finding the info helpful 🙌🏾
Yoh yoh yoh .you have no idea how helpful this video is😭 thank you so much
So happy to hear that 🙌🏾🙏🏾👊🏾 keep sharing it. There are a lot of people that don’t know this information!!✨
Thank you very much for sharing these. It is very insightful 🙌
so happy to hear that!!
Good, educational & inspiring content. ❤️ Much love & appreciation. This was helpful indeed
So happy to hear that you found it helpful 🙌🏾💯🌟
I love your videos, your confidence and how eloquently you speak on what you know, I’m not even in Law but in Consulting and have an HR background like you but I learnt so much through this video and your other videos that I can transfer to my own path 🙂 thanks Bohlale, looking forward to seeing your channel grow, lots of young professionals can benefit not just grads in Law ❤️
Thanks so much for your kind words!! 🙌🏾✨ I definitely aim for this platform to be for ALL young professionals and not just for law graduates!! Thank you for following , subscribing to the channel and listening to the content!!! 👊🏾💖 I appreciate you!
Hi Bohlale! Thank you for such an interesting video. I will definitely apply myself more in these areas. Working hard to make it to top 5!
That’s the spirit!!! 🙌🏾💛 work hard to give yourself options…
Most helpful video on the subject! Thank you very much for this, can't wait for more content ❤🥺🥺
Only a pleasure Wandile 🙌🏾
Bohlale I’m so happy that I’ve stumbled upon your channel. Your videos are so helpful and informative. I think I’ve found my mentor😊this makes me even more excited to do my llb degree next year and it has always been a dream of mine to work for bowmans and I certainly can’t wait to put in all the hard work to achieve this goal🥰
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 I love to hear it!!! Wishing you everything of the best!
Thank you so much, this is so informative.
Such a pleasure 🙌🏾💖
wow, this is very insightful, I'm in my second year and I actually thought i just had to apply when I'm done with my LLB. Thank you Bohlale for this information.
Well I’m glad you had access to this on time!!! 🙌🏾💯 wishing you all the best
BP, you are a ⭐ ❤. Thank you.
Appreciate it!! 🙌🏾♥️ you are welcome
Thank you so much for this. This was so insightful. I wasn't aware that one could apply during their undergraduate degree for articles. I'm currently in my first year of my llb program.
However I must say this was very motivating.
Yay!!!! I love seeing first year students seeing this content, it’s so important for you to know this information!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾 make the most of the knowledge you now have and share it with your other 1st year buddies as well...you guys are going to be set up for success once you are done!!!
Love this BP 🙌🙌🙌🙌
Thanks Viv 🙏🏾💖 appreciate it!! It’s all things you know already 😄
Thank you so much for this ..it is really helpful .
I didn’t know that first year marks also play a huge role in the application of articles . Thank you so much ,I am definitely going to keep my marks consistent and high for me to qualify fit a top law firm .👩🏽⚖️♥️
Wonderful 🙌🏾💯💖 every year matter-make sure to do your best
Thanks for all the tips, quiet informative.
Happy to hear that!! Thanks for the feedback
Pleasure Bohlale...you are a God sent indeed.
Much appreciated ma’am
💯🙌🏾 such a pleasure
I really wish I knew all this in my first year. Now I am only left with a few months before I finish my LLB degree, anywho... we make good out of every situation!!! See you in a couple of years, aus Bohlale.
Hey, I also wished I knew this when I was trying to get into my favourite company, then I just made the most of what I had thereafter...and doors opened for me!! So keep your chin up...there’s always light at the end of the tunnel!! 🙌🏾✨
Hey thank you for the helpful information , at first i didn't know i can apply while i am still studying.
You definitely MUST!!! 🙌🏾💯 before final year you souls aim to always have articles
Saw this at the perfect time.Motivated to go work hard for my good marks 😤😤😤So l can apply next year.Thank you so much Queen❤️
Only a pleasure 🙌🏾✨ go get those marks!
I really appreciate this video it gave me a sense of calmness in places that I was insecure as mentioned about the confidence levels... I always thought that I am not extroverted enough to make me seeming confident and this video eased my mind in that it is not entirely necessary to be an extrovert to show confidence but that one can be confident whilst embracing introversion.
💯💯💯 believe in who you are!!! And not what you think the world expects of you…
@@bohlalepaile I shall imbibe these words thank you so much ❤️
This video was really helpful. Thank you. I am finding it hard to be able to attend vac programmes at BIG 5 law firms or law firms in a city as i do not stay in those provinces.
Most of them take place online due to covid!! So it’s a perfect time to take part!! 👌🏾
Hello ausi, I'd like to kindly ask that you please make a video on Paralegals, I am only going to do my LLB qualification after I complete my Paralegal qualification so I'd just like to be well informed about paralegals in South Africa because there aren't any videos that I have found on TH-cam that are about Paralegals in South Africa. Thank you for sharing information, it is really helpful
Hello Bohlale! I really appreciate this video. It's so informative, I really learned a lot about things I was not aware of and some of the things you have clarified are things that I was given wrong information with. I didn't know that you can apply your articles 2-3 years ahead of time. I'm going to do exactly that
I'm doing my third year of LLB and to be honest, I have not been doing my best in my studies. I have been aiming for a pass but I know I can achieve more if I put more effort in my studues. You've really inspired me with this video. Thank you so much!!👏❤🤝🏿
Only a pleasure Paul!!! There’s a lot of students that don’t know this kind of information…and it’s sad because it prevents students from being eligible for articles later on. 🙌🏾⭐️ happy that you found out abs not you know what to do differently
Bohlale is the real deal.
You are too kind!!👊🏾💖
Thank you for this! My biggest regret is not having applied in my third year ..😔 . However, I'm in my final year and will still try apply for 2024....thank you Bohlale!
Such a pleasure, wishing you all the best
Thank you so much bohlale this is really helpful God bless you
So glad that it was helpful!! Anything new that you learnt?
I actually wanted to apply for 2023 but they told me to apply for 2024 in June because I’m graduating after March. I’m gonna do those visual programs just to add on my experience I did not know about this but thank you so much
So it’s not about your graduation date!! Which year are you done with studying?? If your final year is in 2022, then you would start work in 2023!! Graduation is just a ceremony that you attend to get your degree certificate!! So always focus on the year you complete your studying!! Makes sense?
Yes it makes sense thanks
This was incredibly helpful and insightful. Thank you very much. I didn't know that I don't have to wait for my final year and that I could apply for articles from my second year. That was great to know 🔥
Yay!!!! So glad that you now know that!! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽 that’s generally the one that people don’t know!!!
@@bohlalepaile yes!!! As a new subscriber, I'm definitely gonna binge on your channels content 😅
Thank you Ausi Bohlale it was quite informative.I wish I knew this earlier on in my student career.
I am currently in my final year of my LLB programme and would like to become a legal practitioner, particularly an attorney.However, I have decided to study further for my Masters degree in the year 2022.To this end, when is a good time to apply for articles and what activities/opportunities can one part take in to set themselves apart from other applicants especially when applying to top law firms?
Now is the best time to apply for 2023 articles!!
I ddnt know that you don’t have to wait for final year to apply for articles, Thankyou.👏🏽now I’m going to apply , I’m in 2nd year by the way .👏🏽
Start applying early next year…don’t wait too long!! 🙌🏾💯💫
Hey Bohlale. Thanks again for this video. Do you think law firms will take cognisance of the disruptions that COVID-19 caused in the learning environment of law students, and how basically no one could actually attend vacation programs last year?
Hey Mosa, thanks for your question! Yes we are cognisant of this as we recruit. But you know the weird thing is that there’s a large number of students that did better than before because of COVID. Saying that it took them away from distractions of varsity... so we are seeing a spike in higher academic averages in general! But I know not every persons situations are the same...
Such an informative video🙌
What are the chances of getting into a top law firm with an academic average of 60 to 65 along with business and leadership experience?
Hi Bohlale do you have to be studying LLB if you want to do the Virtual Experience Program. Or someone that is thinking about doing LLB and is not yet studying can also partake?
Sure you are welcome to do it even if you aren’t studying law. It’s a great way to give you a sense of what it means to be a lawyer...
I have already completed a diploma in law (paralegal) do I apply now for articles? I have an intention to study my LLB next year
Hi Ms Paile 💕thank you for this. I got rejected for the Vacation program at Bowmans.. So naturally I found myself watching your "How to bounce back from rejection" video (😂) which I found to be really motivating too - but I suppose my question is, if I had an A average for my first year.. And tried to get involved in anything that came up in the midst of Covid(your virtual experience program for example)... And applied relatively early.. What's to keep me from being rejected in future? I really thought I had ticked most boxes😢
Hi Thendo, thanks for your question. Have you been consistent with your marks after 1st year? Or was it just in first year?
@@bohlalepaile So I'm in my 2nd year(LLB) this year and only had my 1st year transcript to apply with. But I had completed a Bachelor's degree from Wits in 2019, and my marks were definitely not as high as they are in my LLB so far😣
It’s probably the reason...
Remember in the video I say that we look at all your years and see if there’s upward movement in your transcript... it’s not the end of the road though, keep striving for excellence and believing that a door will open...☺️
You can do a BA law undergrad degree and attend law school after, it is not only an LLB degree that matters.
Depends what your career aspirations are…in SA, in order to work at a Top Law Firm and complete your articles, an LLB qualification is a prerequisite 💯🙌🏾
If you choose not to go that route then definitely you can still do well and succeed in a career not completing your LLB!! All depends on your ultimate career goals🙂
I’m doing a 3 year LLB stream at wits and I just wanted to know if you in favour of this stream?
and if so which year would you advice me to start applying for articles? I’m in currently doing my first year.
you need to apply this year!
I’m currently a law student and I wanted to genuinely know if failing a module makes any of the big 5 firms look down on you despite your average being good? It’s a big concern of mine.
It’s not about failing one module…you’d need to have fails consistently across different years for there to be a concern! Soo keep your head up and keep working hard
Please do a video of how to apply/ land an associate job at a big 5 law firm. It seems like if you don't make it in for articles, there is no other way in as an Associate. Please clarify the position. Thank you.
You can apply direction for associate positions that are available in any firm, you don’t need to be a CA at the firm first. It’s important that you come with the requisite experience for that kind of role though…so where ever you complete your articles, some to get some post articles experience s as well before applying for an associate role!
How much are Candidate attorneys paid at these top law firms?
Hello Bohlale , Which transcript should individuals that are currently studying for their LLB after they completed BA or BCom Law use?
As a side question, I want to know my prospects on getting entry into one of the LLB postgraduates program, I have applied to various institutions to continue with my studies to obtain an LLB after completing my BCOM Law degree but I exceeded my minimum prescribed period to complete my undergraduate degree, so I'm asking you what are my chances to get in to one of the institutions I have applied for?
I really cannot comment on that component. I don’t work in those institutions too be able to advise on your likelihood of getting in. So sorry…
What happens if we are doing law as second degree , thus the LLB course is 3 years, in which year will a person then apply for articles and which transcript will be used
Hey 👋🏾, in that case you’ll apply in your second year of LLB. But apply at the end of year 1 for vacation programmes.
I'm currently doing my final year at TUT , studying Diploma in Law. I'm now accepted at Unisa to do LLB and I heard that they must credit me some of the modules meaning I may do my LLB degree for 2-3 years. Which year can I start applying for articles and can u please do a video of the application process. As tut Law student we don't know nothing about articles application processes because in their minds they don't think they are training attorneys & advocate but paralegals.
Hello,
Always apply as early as you can to articles and Vacation programs. What other questions do you need answered that I haven’t tackled in my video regarding applying to law firms?
Hi there thank you so much for the insightful information l. I am currently a final year Bcom law student at SU I meet the academic requirements, but I am international student from Zimbabwe and as such on a study permit. This means I don’t have work rights in SA what do you advise I do apply because when I complete my qual I’ll move to a work permit with the work right but as you said that’s too late to apply any advice as to how I can apply?
My gratitude in advance for your help
Kind regards
David
Hi David,
Unfortunately it would seem that you’d need to have a work permit before getting the job. I know it sounds counter productive but our hands are tied as employers as well. The company needs to be in the position to help you with the application and unfortunately we don’t do that for graduate positions.
I think it’s different if you already have a few years experience under your belt! Makes it easier
Hey Bohale,
Came across your video on TH-cam and I was like, “I know that face!”
It’s been years, hope you’re well and blessed. ❤️
☺️☺️☺️
I am well and blessed thank you…hope you are too
Hi Bohlale. Thank you so much for the video. If I am currently working and studying LLB and can make time to attend a vacation program, will the firm still consider me for the program?
If you say you can make time then yes go for it! 🙌🏾💯 the firm will go according to what you say you are able to do!
The tip I wasn't aware of the Bowmans Virtual Vocation Programme and after completing it, you get a certificate. So, I would like to know if I get the certification, where does it fall under the CV, is it the Education or Skills section?
I would place it under experience section, especially if you don’t have any formal experience. You could list it as an online internship or vacation program! 🎉
Hey Bohlale, may you kindly advise when are applications for 2024 articles opening?
They are open now!! Check them out on Leaply
Interesting video!!!! For people who cannot pursue either the attorney or advocate route what type of jobs can we look into at law firms like researchers?paralegals ?
What is the restriction with the legal route?
Depends on what you want to pressure…there can be a range of roles at the junior or administrative level…you must just make sure that it’s in line with your career goal intimately!
@@bohlalepaile for example being a non south african citizen since you can't be an attorney or advocate as both routes require you to be a citizen or permanent resident.
Good afternoon Bohlale
Thanks for video it will help alot I want to ask in order to complete the tasks in the Virtual experience program what level of study must one be in?
Any level really… the whole sim was for you to get exposure to what is about! What you don’t even have to be studying law to complete the vacation programme. 💯 all the best!
Good day Ms Paile. I hope you are well. Thank you so much for this video. Quick question... I plan on doing an Undergrad BA International Relations (3yrs) next year then a Post grad Law degree (3yrs), so that's 6yrs in total. Would I still have the same opportunities as someone who would do a Straight LLB or BA/BCOM Law?
Yes, in that case you just apply for articles at a Big Five Law Firm in your first year of the graduate LLB
Yes of course you’ll have the same opportunity!! Start applying at the ends of your 1st year of LLB!! 🙌🏾💯 make sure that you still do well in your IR degree…we look at all your marks!
goodday maam,can you apply for articles when your doing an undergraduate qualification which is diploma in law,and planning to do post graduate LLB
You generally need to be doing a degree already, or at least first year in post grad 👨🏽🎓
Do top 5 law firms prefer to hire graduates from public universities, or will they also consider graduates from private Higher Edcation Institutions?
Hello Douglas,
They generally take from public universities because they have a positive track record of the LLB qualification being accredited for many years. Most higher education institutions have only been accredited for their legal degree recently.
Good Evening Bohahle,
Thank you so much for your video, it was highly helpful. I wanted to ask on what platform do I apply for a top firm?
Thank you!
A lot of the top firms use a platform called Leaply. but others you must visit their careers website and apply directly. So first check out Leaply to see which firms are available on there.
If I may ask, do the top 5 law firms reject applications from UNISA? I am a second year student with an average of 77%. I am sure my marks are going to improve after I finish my second year too. Would A level marks be inconsequential if one is not at a top law school?
We’ve hired candidates from UNISA! So if you have great marks, and you apply timeously, you would get considered!!
@@bohlalepaile Thank you! :)
@@bohlalepaile hearing this makes me feel at ease
Hi Bohlale,
thanks for the video.
I'm a final year student and learned about the top 5 law firms' graduate recruitment process during my 3rd year. Does this mean I will not be able to ever apply at a top firm and that I should rather just focus on medium sized firms and all others?
Go for it and apply anyway!!! As long as you are willing to wait a year or so before starting!! Go for what you want... it’s possible to get a spot! What year are you looking fire?
*for
@@bohlalepaile okay that kind of gives me hope - thank you so much for your response.
Essentially, I'll be done by the end of the year. And I'll be willing to wait a year by sending my application this year for 2023/2024 intakes.
Thank you for the advice.
Only a pleasure!!
Hi,I was wondering if possible for you to make a video about Bcom Law?
Hi, What about BCom law? 🤔
@@bohlalepaile Which companies one should look at when trying to get an internship of some sort?
Good night Mrs. Paile, I just want to know some of us are doing a 5 year LLB degree does that have any effect when deciding whether to take the candidate or not? Also, this is very helpful!
You would have to apply the same principle by understanding when you are finishing you LLB qualification and applying two years before you finish!! So in your 3rd yr!!!😉
@@bohlalepaile Thank you
Morning Ms Bohlale I would like to ask if it's possible for a Paralegal student to work as a paralegal while attaining an LLB degree or if there's any other option?
Hello, I’m sure if you found a role as a paralegal you could study part time to complete your LLB qualification. I think the difficulty is finding a paralegal role without prior experience…so try and do additional work during university to build up a skillset where possible
i want to ask how do universities accedit students who have a diploma in legal assistance but wish to complete an llb
Hi 👋🏾
I’ve got no idea unfortunately. You’d have to ask your university about that.
I wanted to ask of extra-curricular is important whilst completing your LLB degree ?
Do things that you love to do!! Doing a moot is always beneficial if you want to be a litigator. But not really if you want to be in corporate commercial law…but all extra curricular a teach you skills that are important to carry with you and can be interchangeable across maybe practise areas. Hence why I say that you must choose something that you enjoy and extract the learnings
Afternoon Ms Bohlale I want to ask how exactly I can go about applying for vacation program at Bowmans?
The application is online! You need to go to the Bowmans website and use the link given in the careers page.
Hey sis Bohlale! Do you guys offer accommodation for students during vacational work?
Yes we generally do! Flights and accommodation
Hi Bohlale, I just finished my Diploma in Law last year and started my LLB this year. Considering that I've also just finished my May/June Exams do I need to start applying now using my previous qualification results or do I have to wait to receive my LLB results to apply?
Hello 👋🏾 how long is your LLB? I’d consider applying now with your diploma marks, especially if your LLB will be two years!
@@bohlalepaile Thanks for your response!😊 My LLB is 2 and half years
@@yvette165 you need to apply within this year!!! At least by end of the year and early next year🙌🏾💯
Hi Bohlale do the top 5 law firm consider graduates from Unisa??
They do, I hired a few in my time! 🙌🏾💯 depends on the firm I guess!
@@bohlalepaile Thank you❤️
Hey ausi bohlale do companies consider a college qualification
Depends if the college is accredited by the law society! But they mostly take from universities to be honest.
Hello Ous Bohlale. My heart is almost broken right now. If I had a 79% avg in first year and then dropped to a 77% in my 2nd year which is still a distinction, does this also lessen my chances as there is no upward movement?
No not really…you still have a very good chance, just keep your average there in the high 70’s
Upward movement needs to take place if you’ve started on a very low base where you are falling!! 💯🙌🏾
@@bohlalepaile my average is in the 60’s does this mean my chances are over?😭😭😭💔💔💔
Hey sis bohlale❤I'm in grade 12 now and I have been trying to apply for bowmans bursary can you send me a direct link since I can't access it
I don’t work there anymore unfortunately. Look the Bowmans website for more info
Hi
I love to work in the legal sector but unfortunately I study history as my major
Can I still be in the legal sector?
Can I still be a lawyer while studying History as my major in the university?
What was the plan with studying history?? What profession did you want to go into?
@@bohlalepaile I just love history and enjoy reading about the past . Same time I also want to be in legal sector so, with the little research I did I realize I can still part take in the legal section only if I make a good (history)
That will help me to apply for law school
Please,is it possible?
Reasons for studying history is (I want to be an archeologist)
Well, if you want to practise as a lawyer, you would still need to complete an LLB qualification when you are done with history! You would not be able to be a lawyer without studying a legal qualification. Your history will just add to the knowledge you have…
@@bohlalepaile thank you
Can you do vacation work in second year?
Yes please do!!! Especially if it’s 2nd year of LLB! But if you are doing a different undergrad before LLB, then apply end of second year early third
Do you think taking a gap year after my LLB and pursuing somthing else, say a business or going to law school, would I be considered when applying for articles at one of the top law firms. I applied for articles in 2 years and I found that most of my applications were regretted so I gave up then. But I still am interested in pursuing a legal career from a top 5 law firm
Yeah, you’ll be considered if you meet the other requirements that we look for as well. If that is in check, then the additional things you’ve done in between just add to your experience
I've been applying too, but always get rejected, I think the crucial thing they look at is marks above everything, regardless of how impressive your CV looks
Do u take unisa students
We did before I left Bowmans. Not sure if things have changed!!
Does it matter on which University I studied at
Yes, sometimes that does count! But now a lot
So this means if I studied at universities like University of LIMPOPO, it means I Stand no chance of working in a top 5 law firm?
@@senelo6612 incorrect!!! I want you to go to a page called The Viks on TH-cam! It’s run by one of the associates at Bowmans. And one of her recent videos she interviews a partner at Bowmans who is from university of Limpopo!! 🙌🏾💯 I’m sure you’ll find that very useful…
@@bohlalepaile hi, what about someone who is studying at Nelson Mandela University?