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Country Name Legal descriptions
TRINIDAD and TOBAGO The term for a lawyer in Trinidad and Tobago is Attorney-at-Law. Partnerships are permitted among persons admitted to practice in Trinidad and Tobago, and may not enjoy limited liability. The profession was fused effective January 1, 1987; prior to this date the legal profession was divided into Solicitors and Barristers as in England and Wales. The requirements for admission to practice are Commonwealth citizenship and a Legal Education Certificate issued by the Council of Legal Education, followed by formal admission by the High Court. The qualifications for obtaining the Certificate are an LL.B. from the University of the West Indies or an approved university, followed by two years of practical training at the local Hugh Wooding Law School, the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, or the Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas. Alternatively, a national of Trinidad and Tobago who has completed the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC), and has completed a six-month pupillage in the chambers of an Attorney-at-Law of not less than ten years standing is deemed to hold the qualification prescribed by the law for the purposes of admission to practice. After admission to practice, an Attorney-at-Law may appear before the local court at all levels up to the Privy Council. Should the Caribbean Court of Justice replace the Privy Court, an Attorney-at-Law may appear up to the said level of the former court. Foreign lawyers may only appear before the local courts if admitted to practice in Trinidad and Tobago, although an exception can be made for Commonwealth citizens who have practiced for at least ten years. Prior to 1976, Barristers could be appointed as Queen's Counsel (Q.C.). After 1976, this was replaced for subsequent appointments by the designation Senior Counsel (S.C.). Following fusion in 1979, such appointments were open to all Attorneys-at-Law.

The Notary Public in Trinidad and Tobago, if appointed since 1979, must be an Attorney-at-Law with at least fifteen years' experience; appointments are made by the President of the Republic with the advice of the Chief Justice. Prior to 1979, Notaries Public were Solicitors appointed by the Court of the Faculties in England. A Notary Public authenticates and preserves documents, takes oaths and witnesses documents for use in other jurisdictions. Oaths are usually taken before a Commissioner of Affidavits who need meet no special qualifications except licensing. The official language of the courts is English.
URUGUAY The term for a lawyer in Uruguay is Abogado. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice are a Doctor en Derecho, which is obtained after six years of university studies that include three years in legal service at the Faculty of Law, and a formal oath to the Supreme Court of Justice. After admission to practice, an Abogado may appear before any court in Uruguay.

The Notary Public in Uruguay must take a special university course and successfully complete all examinations. A Notary Public draws up, authenticates and preserves documents. A Procurador must complete the first four years of the university law course. A Procurador is a law agent who cannot plead before the courts. The official language of the courts is Spanish.
PARAGUAY The term for a lawyer in Paraguay is Abogado. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice are a university law degree, followed by enrollment in the Matriculation Book kept by the Secretariat of the Supreme Court. After admission to practice, an Abogado may appear before any court in Paraguay.

The Escribano Publico (notary) in Paraguay must possess a degree in Notarial Science from a Paraguayan university and successfully complete an examination, after which assignment is made to a particular district. An Escribano Publico who is also an Abogado may not practice law while functioning as a notary. An Escribano Publico draws up, authenticates and preserves documents. The title Procurador Judicial is conferred by one university and refers to a law agent who prepares documents and may also instruct an Abogado in litigation. The official language of the courts is Spanish.
FINLAND The term for a lawyer in Finland is Asianajaja (Finnish) or Advokat (Swedish). Partnerships and professional companies are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice are a university degree comparable to an LL.B., as well as four years of experience in tasks that require legal knowledge. Two of those years must include work within the legal profession. The compulsory bar examination concentrates on professional ethics and the organization of a law office. After admission to practice, an Asianajaja or Advokat may appear before any court in Finland; however, it is not necessary to be an Asianajaja or Advokat to represent parties before the courts. Foreign lawyers may appear as well.

The republic of Finland has no notaries. The official languages of the courts are Finnish and Swedish.
CYPRUS The term for a lawyer, under Advocates' Law in Cyprus, is Advocate. Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies are permitted to be established by registered practicing lawyers (see www.cyprusbarassociation.org). Every person who has the professional qualification of Barrister or Solicitor of the United Kingdom or a law degree from an English, Greek or Turkish university or any other degree approved by the Cyprus Legal Council has the right to practice law in Cyprus. All registered Advocates have the right to appear before any court in Cyprus, but there are certain legal restrictions on length of practice regarding appearances before higher courts. No foreign lawyers are entitled to appear before the courts except where the Legal Council issues a special permit to a foreign lawyer of outstanding merit to appear in a particular case with a local Advocate. Lawyers from a European Union Member State can easily be registered in Cyprus and practice law. Under Advocates' Law, lawyers from another European Union Member State can apply to the Legal Council and be granted permission to practice law if they comply with the requirements to practice under their home title (see Advocates' Law on the website of the Cyprus Bar Association at www.cyprusbarassociation.org).

The Certifying Officer in Cyprus is appointed by the Council of Ministers. A Certifying Officer authenticates documents and signatures. The official languages of the courts are Greek and Turkish.
JORDAN The term for a lawyer in Jordan is Mohamy. The requirements for admission to practice are a university legal education, followed by a two-year apprenticeship in the office of a Mohamy of five years standing. If the candidate holds an LL.M. or LL.D. degree, the training is reduced to one year. After admission to practice, a Mohamy may appear before any civil or Christian Religious Court in Jordan, but a special apprenticeship of two years is required before a Mohamy may appear before the Moslem Religious Courts. A Mohamy Nezami may appear before regular courts and Christian courts (and Moslem Religious Courts if trained); a Mohamy Shar'e may only appear before Moslem Religious Courts.

The country of Jordan has no notaries. The official language of the courts is Arabic.
PAKISTAN The term for a lawyer in Pakistan is Advocate Simpliciter or Advocate, depending upon level of experience. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice are a non-law university degree and an LL.B., followed by a pupillage of six months under an Advocate of at least ten years' experience and successful completion of oral and written examinations before the Board of the local Provincial Bar Council. The newly admitted Advocate Simpliciter may appear only before courts up to the District Court level. After two years, the Advocate Simpliciter may apply for admission as an Advocate of the High Court and after ten more years may apply for admission as Advocate of the Supreme Court. The title of Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court may be conferred to an Advocate of the Supreme Court having good standing at the bar after having his knowledge, ability and experience judged worthy of being granted the said status. The title Advocate-on-Record is given to one who instructs Advocates in the Supreme Court and whose function is similar to that of an English Solicitor. Foreign lawyers may be admitted as Advocates after residing in Pakistan for no less than one year before applying for admission.

The Notary Public in Pakistan must be a practicing Advocate and is appointed by one of the provincial governments. A Notary Public draws up, authenticates and preserves documents and administers oaths. The official languages of the courts are Urdu and English.
PUERTO RICO The term for a lawyer in Puerto Rico is Abogado. The requirements for admission to practice are a J.D. from a law school approved by the American Bar Association and the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, followed by successful completion of a written bar examination. The applicant must also be found fit by a Committee on Character. The Abogado is required to be a member of the Puerto Rico Bar Association and pay a fee of $200 per year. After admission to practice, an Abogado may appear before all courts except the U.S. District Court District of Puerto Rico which requires a separate written bar examination. Attorneys from the United States may appear for a particular case on motion.

The Notary Public in Puerto Rico must be a practicing Abogado and must post a bond through the Bar Association of $90 annually. A Notary Public authenticates documents, administers oaths and may protest negotiable instruments. The official language of the Puerto Rican court system is Spanish. The official language of the U.S. District Court District of Puerto Rico is English.
TURKEY The term for a lawyer in Turkey is Avukat. Partnerships are permitted. The term for a partnership in Turkey is Ortaklik. Avukats who want to form an Ortaklik are required to submit a petition and a main agreement, which are signed by all partners, to their bar register, along with other necessary documents to the bar where they want to have their ortaklik registered. In accordance with the Turkish Code of Attorneyship, only Turkish attorneys-at-law have the right of audience before Turkish courts. Partnerships by foreign lawyers are only allowed to provide consultancy services on foreign and international law, and this permission is to be applied on a reciprocity basis. This provision also covers Turkish lawyers employed by foreign firms. The requirements for admission to practice as an attorney-at-law are a law degree from the law faculties of Turkey and the completion of a one-year attorney apprenticeship. After one year of apprenticeship (including working for six months in various courts and six months in an approved law firm), law graduates are awarded a certificate of competence (Avukatlik Ruhsati), should they be deemed to be qualified by the Bar and the Turkish Union of Bars. After admission to practice, an Avukat registers with a local bar in one city but may appear before any court in Turkey. Foreign lawyers may not appear before Turkish courts.

The Noter (notary public) in Turkey is appointed by the Minister of Justice in cooperation with the Notaries Union of Turkey among the graduates of law schools. To be a notary public in Turkey, it is also imperative to complete the notary public internship excluding those who are appointed to the juridical or military magistrate and those who having been graduated from the law school are appointed to the administrative magistrate or have been qualified as a lawyer. A Noter arranges all kinds of legal procedures, draws up, authenticates and preserves documents and executes other duties given by laws. The official language of the courts is Turkish.
IRELAND The term for a lawyer in Ireland is Solicitor or Barrister. Solicitors may form partnerships; Barristers may not. The requirements for admission to practice are graduation from the Incorporated Law Society's Law School, followed by a two-year course of specialized professional studies at the Law Society (Solicitors) or at King's Inns (Barristers). Solicitors have had the right to appear in all courts since 1971, but this right is rarely exercised beyond the lower courts. Barristers may not accept instructions directly from clients but must be instructed by a Solicitor. Foreign lawyers may not appear before any court in Ireland except for lawyers from other EU (European Union) countries, who may appear under the supervision of Irish Barristers.

The Notary Public in Ireland authenticates documents in foreign transactions. Solicitors perform this function in domestic matters. Commissioners for Oaths draw up affidavits. The official languages of the courts are Irish and English.
CHANNEL ISLANDS The term for a lawyer in Jersey is Solicitor or Advocate. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice as a Solicitor are a five-year articled clerkship (three years if the candidate possesses a law degree) and successful completion of an admission examination. After admission to practice, a Solicitor may appear before the Small Debts Court only. An Advocate in Jersey must possess the necessary qualifications for admission to practice in England and Wales or France and must successfully complete an examination in Jersey as well. After admission to practice, an Advocate may appear before any court in Jersey. A Jersey Solicitor may be admitted as an Advocate upon examination; Advocates may practice as Solicitors.

The Notary Public in Jersey must be a qualified lawyer and is appointed by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Cantebury in England. A Notary Public authenticates and preserves documents. The official language of the courts is English, but some laws are in French; conveyances are written in French.

The term for a lawyer in Guernsey is Advocate. Partnerships are permitted. The candidate must have been ordinarily resident in the Bailiwick of Guernsey for at least two years after the age of ten. The requirements for admission to practice are qualification in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland as a Barrister, Advocate or Solicitor, successful completion of the Guernsey Bar Examination and a Certificate of Franco-Norman Legal Studies from the University of Caen, France. Additionally, the candidate must serve an apprenticeship under a qualified Advocate. After admission to practice, an Advocate may appear before any court in the Bailiwick of the Island of Guernsey.

The Notary Public in Guernsey is appointed, after examination, by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. A Notary Public authenticates and notarizes documents and administers oaths. The official languages of the courts are English and French.
HONDURAS The term for a lawyer in Honduras is Abogado. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice are a university law degree, which requires an oral examination and submission of a thesis, followed by submission of a new thesis to the Supreme Court and successful completion of an oral examination on national law. After admission to practice, an Abogado may appear before any court in Honduras.

The Notary Public in Honduras must be an Abogado and is appointed by the Supreme Court. A Notary Public draws up, authenticates and preserves documents. A Procurador is a law agent with limited right of audience. A Procurador is generally a senior year law student, a law graduate or a relative of the parties involved and must be licensed by the Supreme Court after examination. The official language of the courts is Spanish.
SLOVAKIA The term for a lawyer in Slovakia is Advokát (Attorney-at-Law). Partnerships and limited liability companies are permitted under the Act on the Legal Profession which took effect on January 1, 2004. An Advokát provides legal services in all branches of law. An Advokát must be a member of the Slovenská advokátska komora (Slovak Bar Association). The requirements for admission to practice as an Advokát are a Master's degree in law from a law school in Slovakia or a recognized diploma whereby a Master's degree was awarded from a foreign law school, followed by three years as a trainee lawyer to a practising lawyer and successful completion of a Bar examination. The candidate must be a person of integrity with no disciplinary action or participation in any activities that are incompatible with the nature and ethical principle of the legal profession. Additionally, the candidate must not be employed or serve in any other similar capacity, except for pedagogic, publishing, literary, research or art activities at the time of being admitted to the Bar. After admission to practice, an Advokát may appear before any court in Slovakia. European lawyers, foreign registered lawyers and international legal practitioners may practice in Slovakia subject to the terms and conditions in the Act on the Legal Profession.

The Notár (notary) in Slovakia must have a degree in law. A Notár certifies, authenticates and preserves documents, handles decedents' estates and performs other official acts. As of January 1, 1993, the notarial profession became a liberal profession. Notari have set up their own individual bar. The official language of the courts is Slovak but citizens have the right to use their own language.
DENMARK The term for a lawyer in Denmark is Advokat. Apart from lawyers acting as sole practitioners or in a grouping of lawyers, only professional corporations of lawyers in the form of public limited, private limited or limited partnership companies may practice law. The requirements for admission to practice are a law degree from a Danish university, followed by three years of training as an authorised assistant attorney with an Advokat or in a relevant, legal activity; additionally, a successful completion of a theoretical basic education and an examination in matters of special importance to the profession of lawyer, as well as a passed practical test in litigation is required. Advocates are certified by the Minister of Justice. Every Advokat may appear before the City Courts. After the successful pleading of two cases before the High Court, an Advokat may appear before the two High Courts and the Maritime and Commercial Court in Copenhagen. After five more years of practice before the High Court, the Advokat may then appear before the Supreme Court. The Danish court structure also includes the legal systems of the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Any EU lawyer may appear before Danish courts cf. the directives 98/5/EF and 2006/123/EF, while lawyers from outside of the EU may obtain a Danish permission before they can practice in Denmark.

The functions of the notary public are performed by the City Courts. The official language of the courts is Danish.
SWITZERLAND The title of a lawyer in Switzerland depends on the language that he or she speaks: in German, the title is Rechtsanwalt, Advokat or Fürsprecher; in French, Avocat; and in Italian, Avvocato. Partnerships are permitted. The legal profession in Switzerland is regulated by federal rules and individually by twenty-six different cantons; there are therefore twenty-six different sets of guidelines regulating admission to practice. In general, the cantonal laws require a Dr. iur. or lic. iur. and a practical training period in a law office of six months to two years. If the candidate then goes on to successfully complete a cantonal bar examination ("state exam"), he or she may use the title Attorney at Law. An Attorney at Law may appear before every court in every instance and in every jurisdiction.

The requirements to become a Notary in Switzerland vary among the cantons. In nine of the twenty-six cantons, an Attorney at Law may also be a Notary. Twenty-two cantons have an official language, either German, French or Italian. Three cantons have both German and French as official languages and one has German, Italian and Romanic. Legal proceedings are conducted in the language(s) of the canton.
ALBANIA Please note: The Albanian legal system is undergoing major structural changes. Complete and specific information satisfactory to our publication requirements was unobtainable at press time.
KENYA The term for a lawyer in Kenya is Advocate. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice are Kenyan, Ugandan or Tanzanian citizenship, a law degree and successful completion of examinations set by the Council of Legal Education. After admission to practice, an Advocate may appear before any court in Kenya. Foreign lawyers, who must be qualified to appear before superior courts of a Commonwealth country, may be admitted by the Attorney General to appear in particular cases.

The Notary Public in Kenya must have practiced as an Advocate in Kenya for the five years preceding appointment by the Chief Justice. A Notary Public authenticates and preserves documents. The official languages of the courts are English and Swahili.
CZECH REPUBLIC The term for a lawyer in the Czech Republic is Advocate or Advokát. Partnerships are permitted, although multidisciplinary partnerships are not accepted. Prior to July 1, 1996, the Czech Republic legal profession consisted of the Advokát (Attorney-at-law), who handled matters relating to criminal, civil and commercial law and the Komercnií Praávník (Commercial Lawyer), who handled business law matters nearly exclusively. The profession now consists of only Advocates who are required to list with the Czech Chamber of Advocates (frequently referred to as Czech Bar Association). All Komercní Právníks registered on the List of Commercial Lawyers before July 1, 1996 are now recognized as Advocates and are registered on the List of Advocates by the Czech Chamber of Advocates. The requirements for admission to practice are a law degree from a law school in the Czech Republic, three years of practicing law as a Concipient under the guidance and supervision of an Advocate and successful completion of the Advocate Examination; in addition, an applicant must have full legal capacity to act and must be a person of integrity. After meeting these qualifications, the applicant must take an oath before the Chairman of the Chamber and register on the List of Advocates maintained by the Czech Chamber of Advocates. After admission to practice, an Advocate may appear before any court in the Czech Republic. Foreign lawyers may be registered on the List of Advocates provided they have full legal capacity to act, are in good civic standing, prove the right to practice law in another country and pass the Recognition Examination. Foreign lawyers may practice law only in the areas of law in the country where licensing was obtained and in the field of international law.

The Czech Republic State Notariate no longer exists. According to Statute Number 358/92 Coll., all functions of a Notary are carried out by private Notaries. The official language of the courts is Czech.
PORTUGAL The term for a lawyer in Portugal is Advogado. Partnerships and Law Firms are permitted. The term for a Law Firm in Portugal is Sociedade de Advogados, and the rules of formation are established in Decreto-Lei n.° 229/2004, de 10 de Dezembro. The requirements for admission to practice are a law degree from any officially recognized university in Portugal, followed by a two-part practical professional training period (estágio) for a minimum period of two years, supervised by a Patrono (trainer lawyer) with at least five years experience. The first training period is six months and the second training period is eighteen months; satisfactory performance during the first period is required for entrance to the second period. At the end of the second period, the Advogado Estagiário (trainee advocate) is required to pass the written and oral Bar Exam in order to be admitted as an Advogado. During the training period, the Advogado Estagiário may practice as a privately instructed court lawyer or as appointed under a legal aid scheme and may appear in criminal proceedings except serious indictment cases and in civil proceedings where the value of the subject matter is within the jurisdiction of the first instance court. Trainee advocates may also appear in any other proceedings provided they are under supervision of the Patrono. Registration in the Ordem dos Advogados (Portuguese Bar Association) is required to act as an Advogado in the national territory. After admission to practice, an Advogado may appear before any court in Portugal. A Solicitador is a legal practitioner who is required to register with the Câmara dos Solicitadores. The requirements to become a Solicitador include a high school education, one year of practical professional training supervised by a Solicitador and an examination of aptitude following the practical training. Solicitadores work is more restricted than that reserved to Advogados, but includes general legal and business advice, negotiation for sale and purchase of real property and the drafting of wills, trusts and settlements. Solicitadors have the rights of audience only in those courts whose jurisdiction does not require Advogados. Lawyers from another European Union Member State may practice in Portugal under their professional country titles; however, for the pursuit of activities relating to the representation or defense of a client in legal proceedings, they are required to work in conjunction with a lawyer registered in the Ordem dos Advogados. Foreign lawyers may be admitted to practice on a reciprocal basis; this applies in particular to Brazilian lawyers.

The Notário (notary) profession has undergone structural changes. Formerly the Portuguese Notário was a public official working under the Ministry of Justice. Now the Notário is an independent, impartial and liberal professional with delegation of public powers. The Notário is simultaneously a public official that confers authenticity to documents and is in charge of his archive. The Notário is required to possess a law degree from any officially recognized university in Portugal, followed by an Estágio (practical professional training period) for a year and a half supervised by a Notário Patrono (trainer notary) with at least seven years experience. In the last twelve months of the training period, the Estagiário (trainee notary) may provide notary services provided they are authorized by his Notário Patrono and performed under his supervision. Satisfactory performance during the training period is required to apply to the national exam which the Estagiário must pass in order to be admitted as a Notário. Registration in the Ordem dos Notários (Portuguese Notary Association) is required to act as a Notário in the national territory. There is a system of Inumerus clausus and the number of licenses is limited. The official language of the courts is Portuguese.

Please note: In view of the impact of the Bologna Process on the structure and duration of law degrees conferred by Portuguese Universities, the Bar Association has presented a proposal to revise the Bar Association Statute concerning the requirements for admission to practice. This proposal is pending a decision from the Government and the National Parliament.
SAUDI ARABIA The term for a lawyer in Saudi Arabia is Mohamy. Partnerships are permitted. Additionally, partnerships are permitted between licensed Saudis and foreign professional firms for the purpose of practicing the legal professional together, according to the terms specified by the Minister of Commerce. The requirements for admission to practice are a degree from the Sharia College, or a Bachelor degree in Law from one of the Kingdom's universities or equivalent from outside of the Kingdom, or a post-graduate Diploma in Law from the Institute of Public Administration, followed by three years of legal experience. If the candidate has a postgraduate degree in law or Islamic Jurisprudence or the equivalent, or a Diploma of Studies from the Sharia College, only one year of legal experience is required. No legal experience is required of candidates holding a doctorate degree in law. The candidate must also be a Saudi national and a resident of the Kingdom, of good moral character, and cannot have been punished for any crime affecting honor or honesty within the five years preceding application. A license to practice law is issued by the Minister of Justice for a period of five years subject to renewal. As a precondition, a practicing Mohamy must be registered in the list of practicing lawyers maintained by the Ministry of Justice; a Mohamy who stops practicing for a period of one year will be shifted to a list of non-practicing lawyers. A Mohamy has the right to appear before all courts, the Board of General Grievances and the Committees established according to the Regulations, Decrees and Orders with respect to disputes. A non-Saudi lawyer may assist a Mohamy according to the preconditions for issuance of a licence to a foreign lawyer, but is not authorized to appear before the Courts or the Board of General Grievances, or the Committees.

The Notaries in Saudi Arabia are appointed by the Ministry of Justice. Notaries are authorized to notarize documents in the Arabic language (e.g., commercial agreements and powers of attorney), while the authentication of business signatures is performed by the concerned Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their registered member firms. The official language of the courts is Arabic.
KAZAKHSTAN The terms for a lawyer in Kazakhstan are Advocat (Russian) and Korgaushy (Kazakh). Partnerships are permitted in accordance with Art. 19 of the Law on Advocacy in the Republic of Kazakhstan; the term for a partnership is Kontora. The requirements for admission to practice are citizenship in the Republic of Kazakhstan, a higher legal education, a license in the legal profession and membership in the Bar. The license giving the right to exercise the legal profession is issued by the Ministry of Justice, subject to the grading of individuals having undergone a probationary period of three months to one year as established by the Bar. After admission to practice, an Advocat may appear before any court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Foreign lawyers may participate in a case as defenders provided there is an international agreement between Kazakhstan and a foreign state.

The Notarius (notary) is a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan who has a higher legal education and has undergone notarial probation for at least one year and received a license from the Ministry of Justice in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The number of notaries in Kazakhstan is regulated by the state, and vacant notarial positions are filled on the basis of competition initiated by a commission of representatives of judicial bodies, notarial chambers, non-government organizations, local executors as well as learned lawyers. The Notarius in Kazakhstan renders a full spectrum of notarial services. Notarial documents possess conclusive legal power. The principal language of the courts is Russian; but legal proceedings may be conducted in Kazakh.
BAHAMAS The term for a lawyer in The Bahamas is Counsel and Attorney. Partnerships are permitted. There are two paths to admission to practice in The Bahamas. Admission to practice in England and Wales, Ireland, Scotland or other specified countries or a Legal Education Certificate from the University of the West Indies qualify an applicant for admission in The Bahamas. After admission to practice, a Counsel and Attorney must do a twelve-month pupilage. Lawyers from other English-speaking Caribbean Islands and any other Commonwealth Country may appear before the courts for particular cases by special admission. Qualified lawyers from other jurisdictions may become "Registered Associates" of Bahamian lawyers.

The Notary Public in The Bahamas must be a qualified Counsel and Attorney and is appointed by the government. A Notary Public authenticates and preserves documents. The official language of the courts is English.
LIECHTENSTEIN The term for a lawyer in Liechtenstein is Rechtsanwalt. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice are a university law degree, followed by two years in Liechtenstein working in a law office including six months working for the government, the courts or the public prosecutor and successful completion of the bar exam. Liechtenstein has no law schools, so candidates must pursue their legal education elsewhere. After admission to practice, a Rechtsanwalt may appear before any court in Liechtenstein.

The principality of Liechtenstein has no notaries. The official language of the courts is German.
PHILIPPINES The term for a lawyer in the Philippines is Attorney, Abogado (Spanish) or Manananggol (Filipino). Partnerships are permitted and must be registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission. The requirements for admission to practice are a Bachelor's degree and a law degree from a recognized institution, followed by successful completion of the bar examination. To qualify for the bar examination, an applicant must be a citizen and resident of the Philippines who is at least twenty-one years old. The applicant must produce before the Supreme Court satisfactory evidence of good moral character and that no charges involving moral turpitude have been filed or are pending in any court in the Philippines. The Supreme Court of the Philippines may also admit to practice without examination Filipino citizens who were admitted to practice in any of the state or federal courts of the United States before July 4, 1946 and who have practiced in that jurisdiction for at least five years. After admission to practice, an Attorney may appear before any court and any quasi-judicial, administrative or legislative agency in the Philippines. Foreign lawyers may not appear before the Philippine courts.

The Notary Public in the Philippines must be a practicing Attorney in good standing with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; a commission is granted for two years and may be renewed. A Notary Public authenticates documents and administers oaths and affirmations. The official languages of the courts are English and Filipino, but English is more generally used.
NICARAGUA The term for a lawyer in Nicaragua is Abogado. Partnerships are permitted. The terms for partnerships include Bufete. The requirement for admission to practice is a degree from one of the three faculties of law and jurisprudence in Nicaragua. Law students must submit a thesis and, upon graduation, apply for a license to practice from the Supreme Court. Graduates are termed Doctor. A qualified Abogado must register in one of six judicial districts, after which he or she can appear in any court in that district including the Court of Appeal as well as the Supreme Court. Abogados must register in each judicial district separately.

The Notary Public draws up, authenticates and preserves public documents. A degree in law and jurisprudence as well as authorization by the Supreme Court entitles practice as a Notary Public. A Notary Public must give bond and can practice in all judicial districts. The official language of the courts is Spanish.
NETHERLANDS The term for a lawyer in the Netherlands is Advocaat. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for conditional admission to practice are a Meester in de Rechten or a doctoral degree from a Netherlands law school. After conditional admission, a three-year apprenticeship under an experienced Advocaat and professional training including a professional examination is obligatory. After successful completion of these two, the admission becomes unconditional. An Advocaat may appear before any other court in the Netherlands but must be a member of the Hague Bar to appear before the Supreme Court.

The Notaris (notary) in the Netherlands must possess a special degree in Notarial Science. The position of Notaris is a lifetime appointment by the Crown; the number of Notaris positions is limited. A Notaris authenticates and preserves documents and specializes in company law and real property conveyancing. The official language of the courts is Dutch.
COSTA RICA The term for a lawyer in Costa Rica is Abogado. Partnerships are permitted. The requirements for admission to practice are a Licenciado en Derecho from the University of Costa Rica, followed by successful completion of an examination on legal ethics given by the Colegio de Abogados de Costa Rica and registration with the Supreme Court. After admission to practice, an Abogado may appear before any court in Costa Rica.

The Escribano Publico (notary) in Costa Rica must be an Abogado and must earn a degree in Notarial Science from the University of Costa Rica. The position of Escribano Publico is a lifetime appointment by the Supreme Court. An Escribano Publico draws up, authenticates and preserves documents. The official language of the courts is Spanish.
SINGAPORE The term for a lawyer in Singapore is Advocate and Solicitor. Sole proprietors, partnerships, joint law ventures and law corporations are permitted. Under Section 2 of the Legal Profession Act, admission to practice requires that persons who, prior to May 1, 1993, obtained a legal degree from the University of Malaya in Singapore, the University of Singapore or the National University of Singapore; were admitted as a candidate for a legal degree from the National University of Singapore before May 1, 1993; were admitted as a Barrister or Solicitor in England or in Northern Ireland; were a member of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland, or Writer to the Signet, law agent or Solicitor in Scotland; were admitted as a candidate for a legal degree in a United Kingdom institution of higher education before May 1, 1993, and have since been admitted as a Barrister or Solicitor in England and Wales or in Northern Ireland or as a member of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland or a Writer to the Signet, law agent or Solicitor in Scotland, or obtained a Diploma in Singapore Law from the National University of Singapore; or possess such other degree or qualification as may be declared by the Minister under Section 7 of the Legal Profession Act prior to January 1, 1994 and obtained a certificate from the Board of Legal Education. Under the Legal Profession (Qualified Persons) Rules 2001, admission to practice requires that persons who, on or after May 1, 1993 have been admitted as a candidate for a legal degree from the National University of Singapore (graduating with at least a Second Class Lower LL.B. (Hons) or better after January 1, 1997); or have been admitted as a candidate for a legal degree from nineteen recognized United Kingdom universities, received a Bachelor of Law degree (irrespective of the class of honours before January 1, 1997 and with at least upper second class honours on or after January 1, 1997) obtained a Diploma in Singapore Law from the National University of Singapore; or have been admitted for the degree of Bachelor of Laws on or after January 1, 1994 in four recognized Australian universities or two recognized New Zealand universities, graduated at in the top thirty percent of the class and obtained a Diploma in Singapore Law; or those who have been admitted for the law degree course before January 1, 1994 in the Commonwealth Countries of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia and New Zealand, have been conferred that degree and obtained a certificate from the Board of Legal Education. In addition to meeting the educational criteria, a six-month pupillage with a senior practicing Advocate and Solicitor is required (although this may be reduced by as much as three months as determined by the Board of Legal Education), as well as successful completion of the Postgraduate Practical Law Course. A Malaysian practitioner may be admitted automatically providing the practitioner satisfies the conditions of Section 15 of the Legal Profession Act and the criteria as a qualified person under the Legal Profession Act. Previously, Hong Kong practitioners were permitted automatic admission according to Section 16 of the Legal Profession Act; however, this provision was abolished effective January 1, 1995 under the Legal Profession (Amendment) Act 1993. Under Section 21 of the Legal Profession Act, the Supreme Court may for the purpose of any case of sufficient difficulty and complexity admit to practice as an Advocate and Solicitor a person who holds Her Majesty's Patent as Queen's Counsel. More information on the requirements for admission to practice is available at the website of the Board of Legal Information (http:///www.lawsoc.org.sg/ble). After admission to practice, an Advocate and Solicitor may appear before any court in Singapore.

The Notary in Singapore authenticates documents. The official language of the courts is English.
ANGUILLA The term for a lawyer in Anguilla is Barrister or Solicitor. Solicitors may form partnerships; Barristers may not. The requirements for admission to practice as Barrister are a degree from a recognized university and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Counsel of Legal Education of the University of the West Indies or admission to practice as a Barrister in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. After admission to practice, a Barrister may be called to the Bar in each of the territories which make up the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Antiqua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Montserrat). The requirement for admission to practice as a Solicitor is admission as a Solicitor or law agent in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Barristers may practice as Solicitors, but Solicitors may not practice as Barristers. Lawyers from other common law jurisdictions in the Caribbean may appear before the courts for particular cases.

The Notary Public in Anguilla need not be a qualified Barrister or Solicitor, but may be any person who is considered to be a fit and proper person approved by the Judicial Services Committee. The Notary Public is appointed by the Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. A Notary Public authenticates and preserves important documents. The official language of the courts is English.
COLOMBIA The term for a lawyer in Colombia is Abogado. The requirement for admission to practice is a law degree from a Colombian law school. Law school graduates must also register with the court before which they intend to practice. However, after admission to practice, an Abogado may appear before any court in Colombia.

The Notary Public in Colombia must be an Abogado and is appointed to a five-year term. A Notary Public draws up, authenticates and preserves documents. The official language of the courts is Spanish.
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