How to Become a Lawyer in Romania — Step-by-Step

The Path to Becoming an Avocat in Romania

Romania has a structured, multi-stage pathway to legal qualification. The title avocat is legally protected and regulated by the Uniunea Națională a Barourilor din România (UNBR) — the National Union of Romanian Bars — under Legea nr. 51/1995 (Law No. 51/1995 on the Organization and Practice of the Legal Profession). This guide walks you through each step from choosing a law school to becoming a fully qualified avocat.

Already qualified? Browse openings on our Romania legal jobs board. Still studying? Explore internship positions.

Step 1: Complete a Licență în Drept (Law Degree)

Duration: 4 Years

The foundation of Romanian legal education is the 4-year licență în drept (bachelor of law), offered at numerous universities across Romania. The most prestigious law faculties include:

• University of Bucharest, Faculty of Law — Romania's oldest and most prestigious law school. Graduates dominate the top firms in Bucharest.
• Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca — Highly regarded, with a growing reputation fueled by Cluj's tech boom.
• West University of Timișoara — Strong law faculty with connections to western Romania's business community.
• Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași — Respected faculty with a strong academic tradition in civil law and legal theory.
• Nicolae Titulescu University, Bucharest — A well-regarded private law school producing competitive graduates.

The curriculum covers: civil law (drept civil), criminal law (drept penal), constitutional law (drept constituțional), administrative law (drept administrativ), commercial law (drept comercial), EU law (dreptul Uniunii Europene), international law, and procedural law.

Optional: Master's Degree (1–2 Years)

While not strictly required for bar admission, a master în drept is increasingly expected at top firms. Popular specializations include EU law, business law, criminal sciences, and international law. Many students pursue their master's while working as trainees.

Step 2: Pass the Bar Admission Examination

Examenul de Admitere în Profesia de Avocat

After completing the licență în drept, candidates must pass the bar admission examination organized by UNBR. The exam is held annually, typically in the autumn, and consists of:

• Written exam: Testing knowledge of civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, and procedural law through case-based questions and legal problem-solving.
• Oral exam: Testing broader legal knowledge and the ability to articulate legal arguments clearly.

The exam is competitive, with pass rates varying by year and barou (local bar). Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca barouri are typically the most competitive. Candidates must register with their local barou — Romania has 41 barouri, one for each county plus Bucharest.

Preparation tip: Many candidates take preparatory courses offered by private legal education providers. The exam draws heavily on the Romanian Civil Code (Codul Civil) and Criminal Code (Codul Penal) enacted in 2009/2014.

Step 3: Complete the Stagiu (Traineeship)

Duration: 2 Years

Upon passing the bar exam, new lawyers enter the stagiu — a mandatory 2-year traineeship during which they practise as a stagiar (trainee lawyer) under the supervision of a qualified avocat with at least 6 years of experience (avocat îndrumător).

During the stagiu, you:

• Handle real legal matters under supervision — court appearances, client advice, contract drafting.
• Appear before courts, initially limited to judecătorii (district courts) and gradually expanding to tribunale (tribunals).
• Complete mandatory professional training sessions organized by your local barou.
• Develop professional ethics and practical skills.

Where to train: Most stagiari join law firms, though some complete their stagiu at in-house legal departments or through solo practice. The best training is at top-tier firms where you gain exposure to complex commercial work. See our internship and trainee guide for details.

Step 4: Pass the Examenul de Definitivat

The Final Qualification Exam

After completing the 2-year stagiu, candidates must pass the examenul de definitivat (definitive examination) to become a fully qualified avocat definitiv. This exam tests:

• Practical legal knowledge: Applied knowledge of civil, criminal, and procedural law.
• Professional ethics: The deontological rules governing the avocat profession, including duties to clients, courts, and colleagues.
• Court practice: Ability to handle litigation and advisory work independently.

Pass rates are generally higher than the initial bar admission exam, as candidates have 2 years of practical experience. Upon passing, you receive the title avocat definitiv and can practise independently before all Romanian courts.

Step 5: Continuing Professional Development

UNBR requires all avocați to participate in continuing professional development (CPD). Each local barou organizes training sessions, seminars, and conferences. Areas of focus often include EU law developments, GDPR compliance, anti-money laundering regulations, and changes to Romanian procedural law.

Alternative Legal Career Paths

Not every law graduate becomes an avocat. Romania offers several alternative legal careers:

• Judecător (judge) or Procuror (prosecutor): Candidates must pass a separate entrance exam to the Institutul Național al Magistraturii (INM) — the National Institute of Magistracy. This is a 2-year programme followed by appointment. The path is separate from the avocat profession.
• Notar public (notary): Notaries play a crucial role in Romanian law, handling property transactions, company formations, and succession matters. Entry requires a separate exam administered by the Uniunea Națională a Notarilor Publici.
• Executor judecătoresc (bailiff): Judicial enforcement officers responsible for executing court judgments.
• Consilier juridic (legal advisor): In-house lawyers who do not need the avocat title to advise their employer. This is a popular alternative for those working in corporate legal departments.
• Compliance and regulatory roles: The growing GDPR and financial regulation landscape creates demand for legally trained professionals in compliance.

Timeline Summary

Total: approximately 6–8 years from first day of law school to avocat definitiv, depending on whether a master's degree is pursued.

Start Your Legal Career in Romania

The path to becoming an avocat is structured and rewarding. Romania's legal market offers growing work in EU law, energy, M&A, and technology. For salary expectations, consult our salary guide. Explore the top law firms to target, and browse openings on our Romania jobs board. Foreign-qualified lawyers should read our guide for foreign lawyers. Set up job alerts to receive new listings in your inbox.