Can a foreigner be a lawyer in Norway?
Introduction:
Do you want to be a lawyer in Norway? If you are a European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland citizen, it is possible to practice law in the country. Even if you would like to become a practicing lawyer, however, there are some things that might prevent you from doing so.
There are many benefits of working in Norway as a lawyer. As a foreigner, you will have a better chance of finding a job and securing a higher salary. However, in order to make the best out of your career there are some things that you should keep in mind. What follows is an overview of how to become a lawyer in Norway.
You can be a lawyer in Norway if you are a citizen of the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
You can be a lawyer in Norway if you are a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. To be considered for admission as an attorney, you must have completed your law degree from an EEA-accredited university. You must also:
- Be a resident of Norway;
- Speak Norwegian; and
- Pass the bar exam in all subjects.
Even if you are not a citizen of one of these countries, it is possible to practice law in Norway under certain circumstances.
Even if you are not a citizen of one of these countries, it is possible to practice law in Norway under certain circumstances. There are several steps that must be taken before you can practice as a lawyer in Norway:
- You must have graduated from a Norwegian university.
- You must have completed the Norwegian bar exam and passed it successfully.
- You need to pass the language test while being fluent in English (or if you know French or German).
You need to speak Norwegian, have studied Norwegian, and completed the Norwegian bar exam to be a practicing lawyer.
You need to speak Norwegian, have studied Norwegian, and completed the Norwegian bar exam to be a practicing lawyer.
- You need to speak Norwegian. This means that you must be able to read, write and understand at least one foreign language in addition to your native tongue (English). If you do not have sufficient knowledge of this language, then it may be difficult for you to work as a lawyer or become part of industry networks that require such expertise.
- You also need to have studied law at the university level in Norway – usually four years’ worth of study combined with two years’ internship/externship experience (see below).
Conclusion:
Luckily, foreigners not seeking to practice law in Norway have no requirements of the Norwegian language to be admitted. On the other hand, those who would like to seek employment as a lawyer in Norway after having obtained a degree abroad will have to pass the same exams Norwegian lawyers have to pass.
If you are a foreigner who wants to practice law in Norway, it is possible. However, you will need to speak Norwegian and have studied the country’s legal system before applying for admission into any bar association or institution that offers training in this field. Also, make sure not only to speak Norwegian but also study Norwegian if you want to become a lawyer in Norway!
