Lawyers play an important role in the legal system of Switzerland. They advise and represent individuals, businesses and organizations on a variety of legal matters.
They assist clients with navigating the legal system, drafting legal documents, and negotiating settlements.
In this post, you will learn how to become a Lawyer in Switzerland. To become a Lawyer in Switzerland, you must complete the following 4 steps:
How to become a Lawyer in Switzerland
Step 1: Complete a Law Degree
- Obtaining a law degree from a Swiss university is the first step toward becoming a lawyer in Switzerland.
- This usually takes four to five years and includes courses in civil law, criminal law, commercial law, public law, international law, and constitutional law.
- Typically, the curriculum covers both theoretical and practical aspects of law, with an emphasis on developing legal reasoning, research, and writing skills.
- It’s important to note that most Swiss universities are bilingual, which means that courses are taught in both German and French, so students should be fluent in one of these languages before applying.
Step 2: Pass a Bar Exam
- To be eligible to practice law in Switzerland after completing your law degree, you must pass a bar exam.
- Bar exams are administered by cantonal (regional) authorities and vary by canton.
- Bar exams typically include both written and oral components.
- The written component usually consists of multiple-choice questions and essay questions that assess the candidate’s legal knowledge.
- The oral component usually includes a mock trial where the candidate acts as a lawyer and must argue a case before a panel of judges.
Step 3: Complete a Period of Practical Training (Apprenticeship)
- After passing the bar exam, aspiring lawyers must complete an “apprenticeship” period of practical training.
- This usually involves working as an intern or trainee under the supervision of a practising lawyer for a period of one to two years.
- Apprenticeships allow candidates to gain practical legal skills and hands-on experience working in real-world fields.
- The length of the apprenticeship varies by canton, but most cantons require 12 to 24 months of practical training.
Step 4: Practice Law in Switzerland
- After completing the apprenticeship you can practice law in Switzerland.
- The specific requirements for professional practice may differ depending on the canton in which you wish to practice.
- Before lawyers can practice independently in some cantons, they must pass an additional exam or complete additional training.
- Lawyers must be licensed by a professional association or chamber of commerce in some jurisdictions.