The Path to Becoming a Rechtsanwalt in Germany
Becoming a fully qualified lawyer (Rechtsanwalt) in Germany requires a rigorous academic and practical training path that is fundamentally different from the common law system. The German legal education system is one of the most demanding in the world, combining university study, two state examinations, and a structured practical training period called the Referendariat.
This guide walks you through every step from university enrollment to bar admission, helping you understand what it takes to practice law in Germany and find legal jobs in Germany.
Step 1: Law Degree (Rechtswissenschaften)
University Studies
The journey begins with enrolling in a law program (Rechtswissenschaften or Jura) at a German university. The standard study period is 9 semesters (4.5 years), though many students take longer. There is no separate undergraduate and graduate distinction - law is studied as a single integrated program leading directly to the Erstes Staatsexamen.
Top Law Faculties in Germany
Germany has many excellent law faculties. The most highly regarded include:
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen (LMU Munich): One of Germany's most prestigious universities, known for strong civil and public law departments
- Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin: Historic university with excellent public law and European law programs
- Universitaet Heidelberg: Germany's oldest university with a renowned law faculty
- Eberhard Karls Universitaet Tuebingen: Consistently high Staatsexamen pass rates
- Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitaet Bonn: Strong in public and international law
- Universitaet Freiburg: Well-regarded for civil law and legal theory
- Bucerius Law School (Hamburg): Germany's only private law school; very selective, excellent bar pass rates
- Westfaelische Wilhelms-Universitaet Muenster: Large law faculty with strong practice orientation
- Universitaet zu Koeln: Strong in commercial and corporate law
- Freie Universitaet Berlin: Known for international and European law programs
Core Curriculum
German law studies cover three main areas (Pflichtfaecher):
- Zivilrecht (Civil Law): BGB (Buergerliches Gesetzbuch), commercial law (HGB), company law, civil procedure (ZPO)
- Oeffentliches Recht (Public Law): Constitutional law (Grundgesetz), administrative law, European law
- Strafrecht (Criminal Law): Substantive criminal law (StGB), criminal procedure (StPO)
Students also choose a Schwerpunktbereich (specialization area) in their later semesters, such as corporate law, international law, or criminal justice.
Step 2: Erstes Staatsexamen (First State Examination)
The Erstes Staatsexamen (officially called Erste Juristische Pruefung since 2003) is administered by the state examination offices (Justizpruefungsaemter). It consists of:
- State examination component (70%): Written exams covering civil law, public law, and criminal law (typically 6 five-hour written exams)
- University component (30%): The Schwerpunktbereichspruefung (specialization exam) administered by the university
The grading scale runs from 0 to 18 points. A Praedikatsexamen (9+ points) is achieved by only about 15-20% of candidates and is effectively required for positions at top law firms. The overall pass rate for the Erstes Staatsexamen is approximately 70-75%.
Step 3: Referendariat (Legal Traineeship)
After passing the Erstes Staatsexamen, candidates enter the Referendariat, a two-year practical legal training program. Referendare are public service employees (Beamte auf Widerruf) and receive a state salary (Unterhaltsbeihilfe) of approximately EUR 1,200-1,500/month, varying by state (Bundesland).
Referendariat Stations
The Referendariat consists of mandatory stations (Pflichtstationen) and an elective station:
- Zivilstation (Civil Court): 5 months at a civil court (Amtsgericht or Landgericht)
- Strafstation (Criminal Court/Prosecution): 3 months with the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor)
- Verwaltungsstation (Administrative): 3 months with a public authority or administrative court
- Anwaltsstation (Law Firm): 9 months at a law firm or legal department
- Wahlstation (Elective): 3 months at an employer of choice (law firm, corporate, international organization, or abroad)
The Anwaltsstation and Wahlstation are crucial for career development. Many top law firms recruit directly from their Referendariat cohorts. Check our Germany legal internships page for current Referendariat and Wahlstation openings.
Step 4: Zweites Staatsexamen (Second State Examination)
The Zweites Staatsexamen is administered toward the end of the Referendariat and tests practical legal skills. It typically consists of:
- Written exams: 7-8 five-hour written examinations covering civil, criminal, and public law from a practitioner's perspective
- Oral examination: A comprehensive oral exam including a practical case presentation (Aktenvortrag)
The Zweites Staatsexamen is generally considered more difficult than the Erstes. Achieving a Praedikatsexamen in the Zweites Staatsexamen is the key differentiator for career prospects at elite firms.
Step 5: Bar Admission (Zulassung als Rechtsanwalt)
After passing both Staatsexamen, graduates can apply for admission as a Rechtsanwalt at one of Germany's 28 regional bar associations (Rechtsanwaltskammern). The admission process requires:
- Proof of both Staatsexamen
- Clean criminal record
- Professional liability insurance (Berufshaftpflichtversicherung)
- Membership in the local Rechtsanwaltskammer
Unlike common law jurisdictions, there is no separate bar examination. Passing the Zweites Staatsexamen qualifies you for admission.
Alternative Career Paths
The Zweites Staatsexamen qualifies holders not only as Rechtsanwaelte but also for other legal careers:
- Richter (Judge): Requires Praedikatsexamen and appointment by the state justice ministry
- Staatsanwalt (Prosecutor): Requires Praedikatsexamen
- Notar (Notary): Requires both Praedikatsexamen and significant professional experience
- Syndikusrechtsanwalt (In-house counsel): Registered as both Rechtsanwalt and employed lawyer
Start Your Career
Whether you are currently studying, in your Referendariat, or recently admitted, browse our Germany legal job board for the latest opportunities. Set up job alerts to receive notifications for positions matching your qualifications.