Initial training of lawyers in the European Union

General description

Is initial training offered, if yes is it compulsory?

In order to become an Advocate, the person shall fulfill such steps:

• Register as a Trainee Advocate at the Legal Council
• Successfully complete the examination organised and regulated by the Legal Council
• Complete the 12 months training

Thus, initial training is compulsory for someone to become an Advocate.

Does initial training differentiate between categories of trainees, e.g. for in-house lawyers and advocates?

N/A.

Which entities are responsible for organising initial training?

Legal Council of the Cyprus Bar Association:

The Legal Board of the Cyprus Bar Association consists of the Attorney-General of the Republic as Chairman, the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary of the Bar Council and three advocates (article 3(1) of The Advocates Law).

What is the statutory basis for initial training?

The Advocates Law.

Access to the initial training

Are there conditions for accessing the training?

A verification check of the trainees diploma by the Legal Council and a letter of appointment by a law firm stating the commencement date of the training.

What is the main recruitment procedure? If it is competitive - who runs it?

N/A.

Are there alternative access routes to the training?

N/A.

Format and content of the initial training

What is the duration and time frames of the training?

An initial training is organised in the form of an apprenticeship supervised by a private practice or the Attorney General’s Law Office. It lasts not less than 12 months and the trainee advocate should be accompanied by an advocate who has practiced for at least 5 years (Article 4 (e) Advocates Law). This period is not divided into different stages and it is fixed under Advocates Law. The only differentiation of the process, is that the trainee advocates can appear before courts after the completion of 4 months training.

How is the training organised?

Centralised, externalised.

Who are the trainers?

Advocates practicing for at least 5 years.

What is the content and objectives of the initial training?

There is no set curriculum during the induction period; still the trainee Advocates will be examined on specific law fields e.g. constitutional law, administrative law, evidence, criminal law, torts, deontology, contract law etc.

Who designs the initial training programmes?

It is set out by the Advocates Law. The examination process is set by the Legal Council and the subjects of the examination by each teacher.

What methodology is used for the training?

Lectures, training at law offices which includes being able to work on cases and appearing before courts, thereby getting the necessary knowledge regarding the procedures.

What practical elements of the training are applicable to the trainees?

The trainee assists a practicing advocate.

How are trainees evaluated/assessed? How often and by whom?

N/A.

Are there any training activities carried out in conjunction with other legal professionals? If yes: How does it work?

No.

What are the specificities regarding EU law training, linguistic training and European components of initial training, for example participation in CCBE or ELF activities?

There are no obligations regarding EU law and linguistic training. No specific number of trainees are accepted per annum.

How many trainees are accepted for training? Are the numbers of trainees adjusted annually and by who?

-

Termination of the initial training and qualification process

Does the initial training conclude with a final exam? How is it organised? Who is responsible for the exam?

The Post-induction period assessment is done through written exams. The Legal Council oversees the overall organisation and the procedure of the examination period.

Is there a further recruitment procedure to become a lawyer upon completion of the initial training?

1. registration to the Registry held by the Supreme Court
2. registration to the Local Bar Association
3. professional indemnity insurance
4. registration to the Advocates Pension Fund
5. registration to the Cyprus Bar Association.