There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice.
Montesquieu
So a career in law intrigues you, but you still have second thoughts and wonder what’s in it for you?
Earning a law degree has a number of benefits that will inspire you to begin a profession in law right away
Before we dive into the meat of this blog, let’s note that ethics are crucial in the employment of a legal practitioner, this is why we make sure that our students receive the proper preparation to be outstanding citizens before becoming highly skilled professionals.
Legal professionals are in high demand from both individuals and corporations because the law is one of the most well-known professions. Legal academics benefit in a variety of ways as detailed in the following
Why study Law in Zambia?
Certainly, law is a complex field that requires long hours of study and significant effort. However, it always pays back, as an aspirant of law, you will enjoy various benefits as a reward for your effort and hard work.
Legal studies in Zambia come with a bundle of perks that make up for the hardships students encounter while studying. Let us list them out for you:
- Career Scope;
- Financial Stability;
- Social status;
- Leaving a mark;
- Transferable skills;
1. Career scope :
Everybody needs someone to help them deal with their legal issues. As a law graduate, you don’t have to worry about landing your first job. In short, Law grads have great career prospects.
With a law degree, you can work in Zambia as a mediator, paralegal, lawyer, legal officer, or court reporter, along with other professions.
Aside from working in the legal field, you can also work as a journalist or teach at law schools.
2. Financial stability :
Law is known as one of the most lucrative careers worldwide. Legal practitioners are highly sought after in Zambia, which explains the competitive compensation they receive in return for the services they provide
For instance, A Legal Associate in Zambia earns around 66,000 ZMW per year
3. Social status:
An individual’s social status is defined by the power he holds; the lawyer’s power is provided by defending individuals and winning lawsuits. Lawyers have a high social class ranking and are well-respected because they constantly work in the best interests of their clients.
Legal professionals are recognized for helping people, maintaining justice, and protecting human rights.
4. Leaving a mark:
Many students pursue legal degrees in order to make a difference in people’s lives. With a law degree, one may demonstrate his or her sense of justice and fulfill their desire to make a difference in people’s lives by defending their rights and bringing justice.
5. Transferable skills:
One of the benefits law students gain throughout their education is the acquisition of transferrable skills that are essential for their career success. They use those skills to address a very wide range of issues and problems
The transferable skills you’ll develop by studying law include negotiation and analytical skills, problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities, and more
To pursue a career in law, you have to be an expert negotiator, skilled in problem-solving and conflict resolution, and have a solid understanding of the law
How long does it take to study law in Zambia?
Law students receive a broad and deep understanding of various aspects of law including land law, criminal law, medical law, and property law….
In this section, we’ll try to explain the different titles offered to law graduates to clear up any misconceptions.
Bachelor of law (LLB):
The bachelor of laws (LLB) can take 3 to 4 years to complete; The 3-year Bachelor of laws is a graduate program. It emphasizes several areas of legal education and equips graduates to practice law, while the 4-year program focuses on fundamental graduation-level courses in addition to core legal education
Want to know the difference between these two variants? Check out this link to learn more about the differences between the 3 and 4 year Bachelor of laws: https://ecampus.cbu.ac.zm/whats-the-difference-between-3-year-and-4-year-bachelor-of-law/
Master of law (LLM) :
The Master of Laws program (LLM) in Zambia allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in law and become highly specialized in a specific concentration as property law, law of taxation, investment law, and much more
The LLM program typically lasts 18 months, and it prepares students for higher job opportunities such as an arbitrator, law educator, consultant, advocate, or policy expert.
What qualifications to study Law in Zambia?
Law aspirants must fulfill the following criteria to be admitted to the School of Law:
- 5 ‘O’ level passes with credit or above, including English
- Three (3) Cambridge ‘A’ level passes, including English; or
- A first degree in any field of study from a recognized University or institution; or
- A professional qualification that is academically equivalent to a first degree; or
- A Certificate in Legal Studies or Diploma in Law from a recognised University or College.
About CBU’s Department of Law
The Department of Law at Copperbelt University is part of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Through a rich curriculum that is attentive to community concerns, it provides students with an awareness of a system of rules and regulations whose enforcement maintains an orderly society.
CBU’s law department is notable for being the first to introduce environmental and mining law courses, amongst other law courses and an emphasis on morals and ethics of the profession.
CBU provides an online bachelor of law through eLearning through the Directorate of Distance Education and Open Learning for three to four years.
Want to study law online? Join our international cohort today: https://myecampus.cbu.ac.zm/register