How can a UK lawyer work in France?

Dec 15, 2022

Written By Claudia Chan

UK lawyers can work abroad if they choose to do so, however, they must comply with the relevant governing regulations in place. This article will focus on UK lawyers who wish to work in France.

Lawyers in France: Avocats

Lawyers are known as avocats in France, they are one of the main categories of lawyers. The word also translates to avocado!

Avocats (lawyers) can advise clients on all legal matters and represent them before the courts or any other alternative dispute resolution bodies (including in arbitration and mediation). They are a regulated professional body with specific ethical rules, just as in England and Wales.

Rules on lawyers qualified outside of France

Lawyers qualified outside France, such as those qualified in the UK, can practise in France under certain conditions. These depend on whether they qualified inside or outside the EU. Since the UK left the EU, the French government and the National Council of French Bars had numerous debates about how Brexit would impact UK lawyers being able to practice in France.

After months of debate, it was decided that the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation agreement allows UK lawyers to register as foreign legal consultants (FLCs). Those registered as FLCs in France can practise in the country under their home qualifications, and advise clients on the domestic law of their home country and public international law. However, they are not allowed to practise EU law.

Their services are permitted by virtue of the French National Bar Association provided that the foreign lawyer fulfils certain requirements (for example, of morality and insurance).

Registration of foreign lawyers in France

Foregin lawyers wishing to practise in France must file an application with the CNB (French National Bar Association) for either permanent or temporary practice. Those interested in applying for permanent practice need to register with a local French bar association, whereas temporary practice must be renewed with the CNB each year.

How else can I work in France?

If you haven’t already started your legal education, several universities offer a joint LLB and qualifying French law degree. This provides you with a solid foundation in French law, and is the first step towards qualifying to practice in France.

Alternatively, many law firms have offices in France (typically in Paris), and trainees can spend part of their training contract working in an overseas office.This is known as an international secondment. Click here to read our interview with a trainee solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills, discussing what his secondment to Paris was like.

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