The recognition of professional qualifications of a lawyer
THE RECOGNITION OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF A LAWYER TO PRACTICE AS ADVOCATE IN LITHUANIA
The Ministry of Justice recognizes the professional qualifications of lawyers, who are nationals of the Member States of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation or other natural persons, who have been granted employment (self-employment) rights in the Member States of the European Union, when they wish to practice as advocates in Lithuania.
The applicant may apply for recognition of his professional qualifications to the Ministry of Justice or the Contact Center of the Republic of Lithuania. The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
1. a document attesting his nationality (or attesting the right of employment or self-employment according to European Union law);
2. a document issued by the competent authority of a Member State giving the professional title of a lawyer;
3. a diploma of law or a diploma of professional qualification in law;
4. documents certifying the change of surname (when relevant);
5. evidence of formal qualifications obtained in a third country (if relevant);
6. proof of the applicant's good repute;
7. a document certifying that the applicant does not have a medical condition which would interfere with the proper performance of his duties as a lawyer;
8. other documents certifying the applicant's professional qualifications.
Documents must be submitted to the Ministry of Justice in Lithuanian. Documents issued by third countries have to be legalized or certified (Apostille) (except in cases provided by national or international law). Unless otherwise provided by law, the documents shall be translated into Lithuanian and the translation shall be certified by the signature of the person who translated the documents. The documents referred to in points 6 and 7 must be issued no earlier than three months before the date of application.
Documents can be submitted in person, sent by registered mail or electronically (the application must be signed with a secure electronic signature).
Once the applicant has submitted all the necessary documents, the Ministry of Justice will organize a professional aptitude test. The professional aptitude test consists of civil and civil procedural law, criminal and criminal procedure law, administrative law, labor law, constitutional law, financial and tax law, human rights law, public international law and European Union law, and the law governing the profession of lawyer.
If after recognition of the professional qualification of a lawyer there are reasonable doubts as to the applicant's ability to speak Lithuanian language, the Aptitude Test Commission shall take a decision regarding the examination of the Lithuanian language proficiency.
The decision on the recognition of the professional qualifications of a lawyer in order to practice as an advocate in Lithuania must be taken no later than three months after the receipt of all the necessary documents in the Ministry of Justice.
A decision of the Ministry of Justice or a delay in its adoption may be appealed to the Appeal Commission for Recognition of Regulated Professional Qualifications and to the court in accordance with the procedure established by the Law on Administrative Proceedings.
The recognition of the professional qualifications of a lawyer is provided free of charge.
Relevant legal cats:
The Law on the Recognition of Regulated Professional Qualifications
The order of the Minister of Justice on the recognition of professional qualifications of lawyers
Last updated: 16-11-2023