Originally Posted by
Lawbird Lawyer
Dear colleague,
Please can you tell me the steps in order for a dual qualified barrister (UK common-law and another non-European mixed civil jurisdiction) to become qualified to work as a lawyer in Spain? Is there a particular European route?
Once you've decided in which part of Spain you want to settle and work in you must contact the local Bar Association to have your law degree homologated. You will not have to pass any exams.
It takes on average 12 months. After that you will be able to join your local Bar Association as become a practising solicitor.
What if your Spanish language skills are elementary?
That will be a major setback as you can imagine all laws are passed in Spanish and very few are actually available in English language.
But don't let this deter you, there are many practising UK barristers working in Spain beside all the dually qualified lawyers allowed to practise both in the UK and in Spain.
How much does qualifying cost; How long does it take and what is the best/quickest method?
It takes on average 12 months. As explained above, you should contact the Bar association where you plan to settle and work in. Spain is a diverse country compromised of 17 autonomous regions and each of them have thier own rules besides the common laws.
Is Law School in Madrid obligatory? Is there a Law School in Barcelona?
No it isn't but it will be in a few years time. All lawyers will be requires to pass an exam to become practising lawyers. A Law school (Escuela de Práctica JurÃ*dica) which compements the five year law degree is advisable albeit not mandatory.
Muchas Gracias
¡De nada!
Bookmarks