France: avocat pathway
Scope
- Degree recognition
Since 1 January 2025 the profession is in principle reserved to holders of a Master (M2) in law or an equivalent title listed in the ministerial order of 31 December 2024.
“réservée aux titulaires d’un Master (M2) en droit depuis le 1 er janvier 2025”
- Program approval or accreditation
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
- Additional education or training
Initial training of 18 months is mandatory, delivered by the regional centres (CRFPA), after the university course.
“La formation initiale obligatoire se déroule sur une période de 18 mois”
- Examination requirements
Entry to a CRFPA depends on passing the CRFPA entrance exam, which requires the first 60 credits of a law master or an equivalent title; training ends with the CAPA exam.
“L’accès au sein d’un CRFPA est soumis à la réussite de l’examen d’accès au CRFPA”
- Supervised practice
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
- Foreign qualification assessment
Any foreign university title or diploma required to access the legal profession in the State where it was issued is listed among the equivalents to the M2; the CNB states it is not competent to rule on equivalence requests under this order.
“tout titre ou diplôme universitaire étranger exigé pour accéder à la profession d'avocat dans l'Etat où ce titre ou ce diplôme a été délivré”
- Residency or other restrictions
Access is subject to nationality conditions (French, EU or EEA nationality, reciprocity, or refugee/stateless status).
“Être de nationalité française”
- Online study
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
Regulator: Conseil national des barreaux · official source for this record · last checked 1 November 2026.