In Cameroon, just like in many countries around the world, every kid's or art student's dream is to become a lawyer or barrister.
Who is a Lawyer?
A lawyer (also called attorney, counsellor, or counsel) is a licensed legal professional who advises and represents others in legal matters. Today's lawyer can be male or female, young or old.
See Also: Top Lawyers and Law Firms in Cameroon.
What is the difference between a Lawyer, a Barrister, and a Solicitor?
The term lawyer is a general term used to describe a Licensed Practitioner qualified to give legal advice in one or many areas of law. In simple terms, barristers and solicitors are both types of lawyers.
Do you want to be a lawyer in Cameroon? If so, strap on your seatbelts, as you are in for quite a long ride! You must fulfil the requirements and cost to become one. Tuition for studies in law in Cameroon is very affordable (50,000 FCFA yearly).
Read Also: How to Sue Someone or a Company in Cameroon?
What are the Legal Systems in Cameroon?
The Cameroon Legal system runs a Common law system and the Civil law system (bi-jural system). The Common law system is centred on the old English Common Law, while the Civil law system is based on the French law system.
Our legal system in Cameroon is similar to that of Canada (A bilingual nation).
See Also: Salaries of Lawyers in Cameroon.
How to Become a Lawyer or Barrister in Cameroon (Study Law)?
To study law and become a successful lawyer in Cameroon, one must do the following:
- You should get the correct combination of subjects at the GCE examination: To have at least a pass in two art subjects at the Advanced Level is recommended. However, science students can still study law.
- You must study law preferably at a university in Cameroon and pass the introductory courses stipulated by the Council of Legal Education in Cameroon (Cameroon Bar Association). At the end of the program, you will obtain an LLB in Law.
- Next, sit and pass the qualifying Bar Examinations from the Cameroonian Law School. Only one Law school is available in Yaounde, so competition is stiff. One should consider applying and studying law in a law school abroad, in Nigeria, the USA, and the UK.
- Finally, join the Cameroon Bar Association (CBA): Cameroonian lawyers have an association called the Cameroon Bar Association. The CBA promotes the interests and rights of lawyers. Joining such an association will allow you to network and get exposure to Cameroon law firms/chambers and job opportunities.
Suggested: Ethics of the Law Profession in Cameroon (What is expected of Lawyers?)
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