Are you considering a career as a lawyer in Italy?
Or may be you are just curios about the whole process to become a an Italian attorney?
If so, it’s important to understand the requirements and steps involved in becoming a licensed lawyer in the country.
While the process may vary depending on the region or jurisdiction where you plan to practice law, here is a general overview of what you need to do to become a licensed lawyer in Italy:
Obtain a law degree from an Italian university.
In order to become a lawyer in Italy, you must first complete a five-year program of study in law at a university.
This will give you a strong foundation in legal subjects such as civil law, criminal law, and constitutional law.
I took 8 years to complete my law degree because I worked part-time while studying, but I finally made it!
Luckily obtaining a law degree from an Italian university is not as costly as it is in the United States or the United Kingdom.
Complete a mandatory 18-month legal traineeship.
After graduating from law school you will need to complete a legal traineeship under the supervision of a licensed lawyer (in Italy it’s called “dominus“).
This provides valuable hands-on experience and helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed to practice law. It also helps you learn the ethical principles of the profession. During the traineeship, you may work in a law firm, a legal department, or a court, and may be responsible for tasks such as drafting legal documents, researching legal issues, and assisting with court proceedings.
Pass the national bar exam.
In order to be eligible for registration with the Italian Bar Association, you must pass the necessary exams. The bar exam consists of a written test and and oral examinations, and covers a range of legal subjects. In the last few years the bar exam consisted of two oral examinations, to avoid people gathering due to Covid-19 spread desease.
Register with the legal authorities and become a member of the city bar association.
Once you have completed the necessary education and training, you must register with the appropriate legal authorities in order to practice law in Italy.
This may involve submitting an application to your local bar association and paying any necessary fees. After registering, you will become a member of the city bar association and will be able to begin practicing law.
Remember, you can’t use the “Avv.” title (it stays for Advocate) if you passed the bar exam but you are not registered yet with your local bar association!
Here are my personal tips to help you succeed in your journey to becoming a licensed lawyer in Italy:
- Don’t just read about the experience, but fully live it. The best way to learn about the practice of law is to get hands-on experience. Make the most of your legal traineeship and try to get involved in as many aspects of the profession as possible.
- Don’t overchallenge yourself, but try to understand if you like it before committing to a career in law. Becoming an italian lawyer is a significant investment of time and resources, so it’s important to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Consider speaking with practicing lawyers and shadowing them to get a better sense of what the job entails.
- Choose a good mentor. Having a mentor who is experienced and respected in the legal profession can be a valuable asset as you begin your career. Look for someone who is willing to share their knowledge and insights with you and can serve as a guide for the rest of your career.
By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success as you embark on your journey to becoming a licensed lawyer in Italy.
