If you are researching a career in law, you’ve probably come across the terms “LLB” and “BCom Law;” it’s a choice many students face when they’re thinking about a career in law. It can be confusing to know which one is right for you, so let’s break it down in simple terms.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
What’s the Difference?
The main difference is that an LLB is a law degree; a BCom Law degree combines law with business and economics. It is common for people to misunderstand these two degrees and get them mixed up, but they’re actually very different.
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws): This is a four-year degree that focuses specifically on law. You’ll learn all about the legal system, different areas of law, and the skills you need to be a lawyer or advocate. It focuses exclusively on legal studies and gives you comprehensive training in all areas of law, including criminal law, family law, business law, and more.
- BCom Law (Bachelor of Commerce in Law): This is a three-year degree that combines law with business-related subjects like economics, management, and accounting. You’ll get a good understanding of the legal system, but you’ll also learn about how businesses work.
What will I learn in a BCom Law degree?
Students studying a BCom Law learn about the South African legal system, private law, business enterprises laws, labour laws and customary laws. It combines theoretical and practical expertise, preparing you for diverse law careers in the legal or commerce sectors.
BCom law modules are carefully balanced between commerce and legal subjects, ensuring students gain proficiency in both areas. Given below are the core modules of Bachelor of Commerce Law:
- Introduction to Business Management
- Financial Accounting
- Business Economics
- Commercial Law
- Corporate Governance
- Contract Law
- Property Law
What Can You Do With Each Degree?
- LLB: With an LLB, you can become an attorney, advocate, prosecutor, or legal advisor. It is the minimum academic requirement to join the organised legal profession in SA. You’ll be qualified to work in law firms, government, or any organization that needs legal expertise. An LLB degree gives you the opportunity to become an attorney, advocate, prosecutor, a corporate legal advisor, or a public defender, to name a few.
- BCom Law: A BCom Law can lead to careers in business, finance, or legal departments. Having a degree in BCom Law complements an LLB degree, because it creates a broader perspective on topics such as taxation and commercial law. You could work as a compliance officer, business analyst, financial advisor, or legal consultant. It is ideal for individuals interested in how law works within business.
Can I Do an LLB After a BCom Law?
Yes, you can! In fact, many people do a BCom Law first and then go on to do a two-year LLB. Those who take this route are required to study for at least five years with an accredited institution, compared with four years for the LLB.
This gives you a broader education and more career options. BCom Law and BA Law graduates can spend an additional two years completing a truncated LLB degree prior to signing up for articles, professional body exams and applying for admission to practise as attorneys or advocates.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose an LLB if: You know you want to be a lawyer or advocate and are passionate about the law.
- Choose a BCom Law if: You’re interested in both business and law, or you’re not sure yet if you want to be a lawyer. This offers a greater degree of flexibility in case you change your mind later on.
It depends on what you want to do in the future. A Bachelor of Commerce in Law is better suited for you if you want to work in business and have legal knowledge to make better decisions, while an LLB is better if you want to be an attorney or advocate.
If you want to work in corporate law, either for a law firm or in the legal department of large organisations, you should do a BCom(Law) with a second major in Finance, Management, Accounting, Taxation, or any other BCom major. However, if you want to work in human rights law, family law, constitutional law, or international law, you should begin your legal studies with a BA(Law) and pair this with courses like politics, sociology, economics, or languages.
If you are a graduate who already holds a different degree, you may apply to start the LLB degree from first year, depending on the major subjects of your first degree.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your interests and what you plan to achieve. Both degrees can lead to successful and profitable careers.