Attorney’s Salary With 9 Years of Experience Leaves South Africans Talking
- A TikTok post showing the payslip of an experienced attorney has sparked lively discussion online
- Many were surprised by the balance between big earnings and heavy deductions that came with the job
- The creator behind the video has been praised for opening up conversations about income realities in South Africa
- Briefly News reached out to Isabella and Thandokuhle Mthwethwa, both admitted attorneys, to share their perspectives on what it really takes to work in law and what the public often misunderstands about the profession
South Africans reacted to a viral TikTok revealing an attorney’s payslip, debating whether the career truly delivers on its financial promise.
Source: Facebook
A TikTok post has stirred major debate after showing the payslip of an attorney with nine years of experience. The clip was shared by content creator @liferesetwithboni on 30 August 2025 and quickly gained traction, racking up over 2,400 likes in just two days as South Africans dissected the figures.
The payslip revealed a monthly package of R112,000, alongside various benefits and deductions that sparked plenty of discussion. While many expect lawyers to earn well, the slip showed the reality of high tax contributions and other costs that come with a big salary.
The real numbers behind the career
The attorney’s annual bonus was listed as R350,000, with additional benefits like a provident fund of R14,000 and medical aid of R4,914. At the same time, the PAYE deduction stood out at a massive R143,500, showing how much goes back to the taxman.
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Boni, who regularly shares anonymised payslips sent to her by professionals across South Africa, uses her platform to spark conversations about income realities. By laying out the details of jobs that many aspire to, she provides viewers with a clearer picture of what life is like behind certain career choices.
Source: Getty Images
This attorney’s payslip reminded viewers that even high-paying roles come with financial pressures, and that big salaries don’t always translate to the wealth people imagine. The video quickly became one of the most talked-about posts of the week, sparking questions about income, lifestyle, and the true rewards of long-term career dedication.
Isabella highlighted that public perception of attorneys is often limited.
“A lot of people think that being an attorney just means going to court every day, when in reality, court is only a small part of what many attorneys do. Another common misconception is that one lawyer can do everything, but the legal field is very specialised. Just like in medicine, where you have different doctors for different needs, the same applies in law."
She encouraged young South Africans considering law to understand that the field is far more diverse than it appears.
“Law isn’t just about memorising theory. It’s about applying the law to real situations, which takes a lot of critical thinking. Being an attorney or advocate isn’t the only path. With a law degree, you can go into compliance, competition law, prosecution, corporate governance, mediation, banking, or many other areas. The profession is competitive and saturated, so you need to set yourself apart through networking, being active in student structures, participating in moot court, and developing people skills. Over and above everything, though, law is a beautiful field. It shapes how you think, how you interact with others, and it teaches you resilience.”
Thandokuhle added that many people hold misconceptions about the ethics of legal work.
“The public often believes that ‘lawyers work’ is to lie for a living, whereas it’s not the case, as attorneys are professionals who study and practice the law to preserve and serve the republic, as well as protect the rights and interests of society."
On the most rewarding aspects of her career, she reflected:
“Seeing my clients happy after carrying out their instructions to the best of my capabilities, or further obtaining freedom for others, be it in a literal or figurative sense, brings about assurance of my purpose in life.”
She also cautioned that the path isn’t glamorous.
“All is not rosy as it appears in the public eye. If one wants to be a part of the legal fraternity, they need to be determined to see their dreams through by putting in extra hours during the learning phase of their career. The legal route is long, so one needs patience and a strong support system.”
Source: TikTok
South Africans react to the payslip
User74 said:
"That's why I always laugh when people say Attorneys aren't getting paid a lot. They're always referring to candidate attorneys who are still in training."
Rochelle Lewis said:
"Yoh, the provident fund contribution is wild."
Thatomash 28 said:
"Hai guys, it depends on the firm or company. 👍🏽"
Nthabiseng said:
"La bona law enale chelete? You just need to exercise patience. 🤣🤣🤣🤣"
Thomas said:
"Only attorneys paid a lot are partners and corporate attorneys"
tebogo_301 said:
"Lawyers make a lot of money."
Will Maziya said:
"Making money in the legal world is a long-term game."
Ghost said:
"What's pay as you earn, yi tax? What's Provident fund?"
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News stories about payslips
- A video showed a man’s frustration and disbelief at a weekly salary payslip that he picked up, surprised that people earn so little.
- A TikTok video revealed a South African retail pharmacist's payslip, sparking widespread discussion.
- The salary of a gardener in South Africa shocked many people on the internet and sparked a buzz.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
