Peculiarities of Legal Regulation of the Status of an attorney in the EU Member States

Yurii Shchepaniuk

doi:10.35774/

Authors

Yurii Shchepaniuk Ivan Franko National University of Lviv https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0102-8371

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35774/

Keywords:

legal profession, lawyer status, European Union, advocacy, free movement of professionals, legal assistance, ethical standards, self-governance, CCBE, legal system, lawyer qualification, access to justice

Abstract

This article explores the legal status and professional regulation of lawyers (advocates) within the European Union, emphasizing its relevance in the context of ongoing European integration processes and the formation of a common legal space. The profession of a lawyer plays a fundamental role in ensuring the rule of law, access to justice, and the protection of human rights in all EU member states. Despite the diversity of national legal systems, traditions, and regulatory frameworks, there is a growing need to harmonize the standards and approaches to legal practice across the EU, without undermining the sovereignty and historical uniqueness of individual legal traditions.

The aim of this study is to analyze the peculiarities of regulating the legal status of lawyers in selected EU countries – particularly Germany, France, and Italy – while highlighting the overarching principles and mechanisms of harmonization introduced at the European level. Special attention is given to the principle of the free movement of professionals, enshrined in Directive 98/5/EC, which allows lawyers qualified in one EU member state to practice in another under certain conditions. The study also examines the role of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) in promoting unified ethical standards, ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications, and supporting professional mobility within the Union.

The article presents a comparative overview of national approaches to legal education, professional training, access to the legal profession, and the self-governance of lawyers in Germany, France, and Italy. It identifies both shared and divergent elements in the processes of qualifying as a lawyer, such as the structure of legal education, the duration and content of mandatory traineeships, the organization of bar associations, disciplinary procedures, and ethical codes. Furthermore, the research highlights important legal safeguards for the independence of lawyers in each country, including protections against prosecution for actions performed in the course of professional duties.

As a result, the study demonstrates that while each EU country retains its own system for regulating the legal profession, there is a clear trend toward convergence in key areas, particularly regarding qualification standards, ethical obligations, and cross-border practice rights. The findings underline the importance of balancing harmonization with respect for national legal identities. The article concludes that the development of a unified yet flexible European legal profession enhances legal cooperation among member states and strengthens the protection of fundamental rights throughout the EU.

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