How do I register as a lawyer?
Starting as a lawyer means finding a trainee master and internship site, taking the oath and being registered on the trainee list. During your internship, you are already a lawyer, but you will be taken under the wing of a trainee master (patron) for 3 years. He will guide you and introduce you to the world of the legal profession.
Taking an oath
The solemn oath-taking before the court of appeal takes place at the beginning of the judicial year. To be admitted, you must first deposit your original diploma and a certificate of nationality at the registry of the court of appeal of the district to which your bar belongs. If you cannot be present at the solemn oath-taking, you can also take the oath at certain times later in the year.
More information on taking the oath? Contact the secretariat of your bar association.
Online registration at the counter
After taking the oath, you are not yet a lawyer and may not wear the gown. You must first register on the list of trainee lawyers.
Once the Bar Council of your bar approves your registration, you will appear on the list of trainees. From then on, you are a fully-fledged lawyer and may wear a robe and plead before the court. You will still have a three-year internship with your trainee lawyer. He will familiarise you with the customs and rules of the profession.
For your online registration you will need an eID or electronic foreigner card and a card reader .
Finding an internship
If you want to start as a lawyer, the first thing you need to do is find an internship and internship master. Search the available internships or post your own profile online so that potential internship masters find you.
We will give you a few more tips:
- Feel free to poll different offices. Free applications are common within the legal profession.
- Compare and contact young lawyers who can share their first experiences with you.
- Check whether the internship master has a general practice or focuses on certain matters. What areas of law does he practise? What type of clients does he have?
- Discuss with the internship master how he will carry out the training: what will your responsibilities be and how will he supervise you? Together, enter into an internship agreement setting out all these things.