how to be a lawyer with french law degrees

by Ethan Romaguera 8 min read

In order to be admitted as a lawyer in France, prospective lawyers either have to: obtain a qualifying law degree (“Master 1”), which is obtained after a four-year university training program in law, and pass the entrance exam of the law school of the local bar association, followed by an 18-month traineeship in the school.

obtain a qualifying law degree (“Master 1”), which is obtained after a four-year university training program in law, and pass the entrance exam of the law school of the local bar association, followed by an 18-month traineeship in the school.

Full Answer

What education do you need to become a French lawyer?

Other foreign lawyers must be admitted to practise law in France before they could be employed as lawyers. How many years does it take to be a lawyer in France? Earning a Law Degree in …

Can I take the French bar exam with an American law degree?

Feb 09, 2018 · If you study Law with French Law, you’ll still graduate with a qualifying law degree, which will set you well on your way to a career in law, vacation schemes and training contracts …

How to become a lawyer in France as a non-European national?

Feb 09, 2018 · Typically an LLB with French course will involve: - Four years of full-time study - Including a year studying abroad at a French university - All units necessary to qualify for an …

Do you need a JD or LLM to practice law in France?

As a French student I should be a lawyer in a couple of months. - Step 1: you need a master's degree in french law-Step 2: you have to pass the bar exam. It consists of written exams first. …

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Can a French lawyer practice in the US?

One common option is to become a foreign legal consultant (FLC). An FLC is a foreign-trained lawyer who has set up a limited practice in the U.S. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have foreign legal consultant rules in place.Oct 13, 2019

Is France good to study law?

France is appealing to law students also because of its high level of academics. Those who can speak French well enough to attend school can get an affordable education from some of the top schools and educators in the world of international education.

How much do French lawyers make?

Salary Recap

The average pay for a Lawyer is €90,916 a year and €44 an hour in France. The average salary range for a Lawyer is between €62,580 and €113,328. On average, a Master's Degree is the highest level of education for a Lawyer.

Can a foreigner become a lawyer in France?

Non-European nationals are exempt from the practical training and the CAPA if they meet the education and professional practice requirements, but they are required to take an examination assessing their knowledge of French law. Applications should be addressed to the Conseil national des barreaux.

How long is French law school?

Law school in France is divided into 3 programs. First, students attend a three-year Bachelor of law program (called “Licence de Droit”). This is followed by a two-year Master of Law program (LLM), and finally a three-year or more Ph. D.

What is the best law school in France?

One of the thirteen successor universities of the University of Paris, Panthéon-Sorbonne University is the best law school in France.Nov 18, 2020

What is the highest paying job in France?

Being a doctor or a physician in any country is considered a respectable and lucrative job. The same is the case in France. Medical students who want to work in France can move there and practice effortlessly. As a matter of fact, it is the highest paying job in the country.Apr 18, 2022

Are lawyers well paid in France?

The average pay for a Lawyer is €93,415 a year and €45 an hour in Paris, France. The average salary range for a Lawyer is between €64,300 and €116,443. On average, a Master's Degree is the highest level of education for a Lawyer.

Are lawyers in demand in France?

Even more eye catching is the growth figure of the number of foreign lawyers working in France, which is 7.1% per year on average over the past 10 years. So the prospects are really rather good for those of you dreaming of working under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower!Aug 9, 2016

What is a French lawyer called?

More than 70,000 French lawyers (“Avocats”) are registered in France. French lawyers are admitted to one of the local bar associations (“Ordre des avocats”).

How hard is the French bar exam?

This exam is pretty tough — even for French students — and requires a very good level in French because there is a writing exam and an oral exam. This exam is scheduled once a year from September to December, it requires at least a master degree in law and it is limited to 3 attempts.Oct 19, 2019

What is a lawyer in France called?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Maître (spelled Maitre according to post-1990 spelling rules) is a commonly used honorific for lawyers, judicial officers and notaries in France, Belgium, Switzerland and French-speaking parts of Canada.

How is this course different from the standard LLB?

Well, how about we address the similarities first. If you study Law with French Law, you’ll still graduate with a qualifying law degree, which will set you well on your way to a career in law, vacation schemes and training contracts and all.

What are the advantages of studying Law with French Law?

Alongside the general life advantages of being able to live in France for a year and experience a different culture, there are also numerous advantages when it comes to your employability.

When was the legal profession established in France?

Accessing the legal profession in France. The access routes to the legal profession were established by the Act of December 31, 1971 , as amended by the Act of February 11, 2004 , as well as by the Implementing Decree of December 21, 2004 on professional education for lawyers.

How long is the French oral exam?

Two oral tests : an approximately twenty-minute report, on a subject drawn at random by the candidate on the French civil, criminal, or administrative procedures, or the French legal system and an approximately fifteen minute interview with the examination board, focusing on professional regulations and ethics.

What is the standard route for law school?

The Standard Route. It is necessary to pass the examination for entry into a Law School (EDA), which universities administer as part of the Institute of Judicial Studies (IEJ), as a condition of access to the profession.

Is the National Council of Bar Associations considering an in-depth reform of the initial training?

The Conseil national des barreaux [National Council of Bar Associations] is now considering an in-depth reform of the initial training; primarily, this would focus the training on internships. The extension of the training to 18 months raises both the issue of financing professional legal training, and the related issue ...

Do European nationals have to take aptitude tests?

European nationals are exempt from the practical training and the CAPA if they meet certain conditions regarding education and professional practice, but they may, in certain situations, be required to take an aptitude test. Applications should be addressed to the Conseil national des barreaux. Candidates must prove that they meet all the requirements to be a fully qualified lawyer in their country of origin; and that, when required, they have completed a legal internship, besides university studies and professional qualification or competency examinations.

Does the Conseil national des barreaux take into account candidates' professional experience?

This means that the Conseil national does not take into account candidates' professional experience or degrees.

What is the purpose of the third term of law school?

The purpose of this term is to encourage law students to define their personal choices and prepare for their integration into professional life. During the third term, law students do an internship in a law office. On completing this training, law students must pass the Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession (CAPA) examination.

What to do if you don't become an attorney?

If You Don't Become an Attorney. You can also use your foreign law degree in a number of ways without becoming a fully-admitted state bar member. One common option is to become a foreign legal consultant (FLC). An FLC is a foreign-trained lawyer who has set up a limited practice in the U.S. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S.

How long does it take to get a foreign law degree in Vermont?

In almost all cases, the ABA must first review and approve your foreign law degree. This can take a year or more. You can sit for that state's bar if the ABA gives you a nod of approval and you meet the state's other requirements. Only Vermont recognizes foreign law degrees with any regularity.

What are the requirements for a law degree in Georgia?

Georgia imposes two requirements: You must have received your education from a school that was sanctioned or recognized by your foreign government, and you must also be admitted to practice law there. Washington requires that the law school you choose for your LLM degree must be approved by the Board of Governors.

Is law school rigorous?

Law school studies in the U.S. are rigorous, and students come out with a specific set of skills and a knowledge set that helps them study for and pass the bar. Foreign-trained lawyers might not have all these same tools, and their passage rate could be lower for that reason.

What is FLC in law?

An FLC is a foreign-trained lawyer who has set up a limited practice in the U.S. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have foreign legal consultant rules in place.

How many hours of LLM do you need to sit for the bar in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has permitted foreign-trained students with LLM degrees to sit for the bar since 2012. The degree must include 700 minutes of instruction per semester credit hour and must be completed in no less than two 13-week semesters.

How long is the bar exam?

The bar exam typically takes place over two days. The first day is a multiple-choice test covering laws that aren't necessarily unique to any one state. The second day's test focuses on the law in the state in which you want to practice.

What is an LLB in France?

Since, in both France and Quebec an LLB or LLL or BCL is the degree that entitles to practice, after Bar admission. Neither jurisdiction requires a JD nor an LLM, as opposed to Common Law jurisdictions, such as the US. Law is not a field designed to study in one place and practice in another.

How many times can you take the Avocat au Barreau de?

If you pass this exam (you can take it only 3 times and it is quite expensive) you will be admitted to the French bar as an "avocat au barreau de...". Thanks to this special exam, you won't have to study for a year and a half at a Bar school and can practice directly as an avocat.

Is it cheaper to study in Quebec or France?

Quebec studies would be cheaper than the US, but not than in France, though. If you already hold a Bachelor's degree, you would have to study another Bachelor's all over again. Since, in both France and Quebec an LLB or LLL or BCL is the degree that entitles to practice, after Bar admission.

Is a JD required for a LLM?

Neither jurisdiction requires a JD nor an LLM, as opposed to Common Law jurisdictions, such as the US. Law is not a field designed to study in one place and practice in another. Wherever you decide to read such degree, you will practically stay there forever. Therefore, take a good time to make up your mind.

Who is the actor who studied law?

Rebel Wilson, Gerard Butler and more stars tried their hand at studying and practicing law before they made it big in Hollywood. Before solidifying his place among some of the hottest names in the movie industry, Butler held a high position in the law society at his Scottish university. After graduating from the University ...

Who was the president of the law society at the University of Glasgow?

Gerard Butler. Before earning the role of King Leonidas of Sparta, Butler was the president of the law society at the University of Glasgow. After graduating with honors in 1992, the Scotsman secured a spot at a top law firm in Edinburgh until he finally decided to chase his Hollywood dreams. Credit: Shutterstock.

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Articles 97 and 98 of The Decree of November 27, 1991

  • University professors, and members of certain legal professions, such as magistrates (Article 97) are exempt from the diploma requirements, the theoretical and practical training, the CAPA, and the internship. Legal counsel for companies or labor unions, law office employees, and certain other judicial professionals are exempt from the theoretical and practical training and the CAPA…
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Article 99 of The Decree of November 27, 1991

  • European nationals are exempt from the practical training and the CAPA if they meet certain conditions regarding education and professional practice, but they may, in certain situations, be required to take an aptitude test. Applications should be addressed to the Conseil national des barreaux. Candidates must prove that they meet all the requirements to be a fully qualified lawy…
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Article 100 of The Decree of November 27, 1991

  • Non-European nationals are exempt from the practical training and the CAPA if they meet the education and professional practice requirements, but they are required to take an examination assessing their knowledge of French law. Applications should be addressed to the Conseil national des barreaux. This assessment examination comprises: 1. Two writt...
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Association Obligations

  • Establishment of professional residency within the jurisdiction of the district court where they are established. Lawyers must have an office that they either own, rent, or sub-let.
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Administrative Obligations

  • Lawyers must make a declaration at a business procedures center within eight days of starting their activities. The business procedures center will report this information to the social security fund for non-salaried workers, the tax center, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), and the Social Security and Family Allowance Contribution Collection Office (U…
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Professional Obligations

  • Payment of fees to the Bar Association, the National French Bar Fund (CNBF), the Conseil national des barreaux , and the URSSAF. They must also plan for professional insurance and insurance against operating losses, as well as supplementary retirement payments.
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Accounting Obligations

  • Keeping accounts using the dual account system. The National Association for Administrative and Tax Assistance (ANAAFA) assists lawyers with their tax obligations.
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