How to Become a Lawyer in Germany

Of the 121,420 lawyers in Germany, about one out of four are women.

The German legal education system comprises several examinations, both oral and written, that students must complete successfully after taking university courses and doing a practicum. There are two standard law degrees in Germany: the LL.B (bachelor of laws) and LL.M (master of laws). Legal education in Germany is administered by the national Ministry of Justice.

Instructions

1. Look for a well-regarded law school; those that are part of the state university system are free. Among the popular schools are Hamburg Law School, University of Munich Law School, and Bucerius Law School. You'll study for nine semesters before taking the first state exam.Subjects focus on the core areas of German law such as civil, criminal, public, business, and labor Law. Grades obtained in during the nine semester do not count toward the degree examinations.

2. Appear for the first degree exam either after completing eight or nine semesters. The exam is held by the state board in collaboration with superior court. It consists of a five-hour test, a supervised written exam, a four-week take-home exam, and a one-day oral exam with a panel of professors, judges, civil servants, or lawyers. The oral section counts toward one-third of the total grade.

3. Start a two-year period of legal training. This phase is under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Justice, comprising both theoretical learning and practical work. The two-year training program is divided into following stages: (See Reference 1)
   Six Months: Civil Law
   Three Months: Period with Criminal Court or Prosecution Department
   Seven Months: Public Law
   Four Months: Period with Lawyer

4. Take the second-degree exam to qualify finally as a lawyer. This exam, both written and oral, is held by the State Ministry of Justice and based on the two years of study during the legal training period. The written exam consists of a total of 11 papers, five hours for each paper. The questions for the papers are set by the judges and civil servants. A student can take this exam twice; however, failing the second attempt will end his legal career. (See Reference 2)

References

• Legal Education in Germany: Becoming a Lawyer, Judge, and Professor
• German Legal Education
• Number of Lawyers in European Countries