Becoming an advocate in Kenya is a structured and rigorous process that ensures only well-trained and ethical legal professionals are admitted to the bar.

The journey begins long before admission to the Roll of Advocates and demands academic excellence, professional training, and strict adherence to regulatory standards.

For many aspiring lawyers, the path is rewarding but requires commitment, discipline, and compliance with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) frameworks.

The first step is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a university accredited by the Council of Legal Education.

This degree forms the foundation of legal knowledge, covering constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, legal research, family law, commercial law, and other core units required for progression into the next phase of training.

Upon graduating, every LLB holder seeking to practise law must proceed to the Kenya School of Law (KSL).

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Admission to the Kenya School of Law

At KSL, students undertake the Advocates Training Programme (ATP), a mandatory professional course that focuses on practical legal skills.

This training covers nine core units, including civil litigation, criminal litigation, probate and administration, conveyancing, legal writing, professional ethics, and trial advocacy.

The programme is known for its high standards and demanding coursework, which prepares students for actual legal practice.

Completion of coursework is followed by the Bar Examinations administered by KSL.

Candidates must pass these exams to proceed.

Pupillage: The Practical Training Stage

After passing the Bar Exams, aspiring advocates are required to undergo a six-month pupillage in a law firm, government agency, corporation, or under a practising advocate of at least five years’ standing.

Pupillage exposes trainees to real-life legal work such as drafting pleadings, attending court sessions, interviewing clients, legal research, and case management.

Successful completion of pupillage leads to certification by the pupil master, confirming readiness for admission.

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Admission to the Bar and Practising

Once all requirements are met, candidates apply to the Chief Justice for admission to the Roll of Advocates.

This is followed by a swearing-in ceremony before the Supreme Court of Kenya, marking the official commencement of one’s career.

New advocates must then register with the Law Society of Kenya, obtain a practising certificate and comply with all regulatory guidelines.

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Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. PHOTO/ Capital FM.