Lawyers are subject to very strict training and qualification requirements. The basic prerequisites for admission to the bar are a university degree in law and five years practical training, of which a minimum of five months should be in a court or public prosecutor's office and at least three years' work in a law firm as a trainee lawyer.

During that time, compulsory training courses for a minimum of 42 half-days must be completed in all kinds of legal fields.

The prospective lawyer must prove his technical knowledge and expertise at the bar examination before a board of examiners of the Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht).

Passing the exam and a positive assessment of his integrity and trustworthiness by the committee of the bar are required for admission to the bar and entry in the register kept by the bar.

The lawyer is then entitled to run a law firm under his own responsibility.