How to become a lawyer in France

Typically, to become a lawyer in France, a person must pass the examination to enter into law school (EDA).Once legal training has been completed, law students must pass a Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession (CAPA). Once that has been completed and passed, then there is an admission process similar to the process in most states and territories in Australia.

Those who don’t follow the traditional path set out above, can seek alternative pathways depending on their nationality and professional standing.

Those from non-European nations (including Australia), pursuant to Article 11 of the Decree of 27 November 1991, are exempt from the practical training and CAPA requirements set out above if they are able to pass an examination in respect of their knowledge of French Law.

The examinations consist of the following:

Two written tests (each 3 hours in length) – one on pleading in civil matters and another on a legal consultation in a selected subject in either administrative, business, employment or criminal law.

Two oral tests – one 20 minutes being a report on a subject (chosen at random) in relation to French civil, criminal or administrative procedures, or the French legal system and one of 15 minutes being an interview with the examination board covering professional regulations and ethics.

An exemption from the tests by may granted if requested, in consideration of university or scientific studies such as dissertations, theses or published articles or books. Professional experience or degrees do not factor into any such exemption.

The process for the application is as follows:

The request to sit the examination should be directed to: The President/e, Conseil national des barreaux, 180 boulevard Haussmann 75008 Paris, The process can be commenced, however, via the National Bar Council website which allows you to upload your details and documents to the website directly. https://admission.cnb.avocat.fr/

Once the application is received, the National Bar Council will acknowledge receipt of the complete file or otherwise advise of any missing information within one month.

The decision of the National Bar Council will be made at the latest within 2 months of the receipt of all documents.

A decision not to allow a candidate to sit the exams may be appealed to the Prosecutor, Paris Court of Appeal within one month of the notification of the outcome.

There is no application fee for the application.

If successful, the candidate is then allowed to take an exam at the École de formation des barreaux (EFB, Paris) or the Haute école des avocats conseils (HEDAC, Versailles).

Passing Article 100 exams allows the candidate to apply for registration with a French Bar and practise, after taking an oath, as a French lawyer.