Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law, Attorney-at-Law, Criminal Defense Lawyer, Legal Expert...
…As you search for a suitable attorney-at-law, you might wonder: What do the different professional titles mean? And above all, which lawyer is right for me? This blog post explains how to find the right attorney-at-law and why you are in good hands with a Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law for criminal law issues.
How do you become a lawyer?
To become a lawyer or attorney in germany, one must study law and pass the final exam, called “first state exam”.” Following this, you undergo the practical part of training, known as the legal clerkship or “referendariat.” At the end of the legal clerkship, you take another final exami called the “second state exam” also known as bar exam. Upon passing both state exams, you are a so called “Volljurist.” As a “Volljurist”, you can work in Germany either as a lawyer, judge, prosecutor, or in other areas. If you choose to become a lawyer, you must apply for admission to the bar at the bar association.
In which legal areas do lawyers work?
As a lawyer, one can work in all legal fields. However, many lawyers specialise in a particular legal area, such as family law, social law, immigration law or criminal law.
I myself am specialised exclusively in criminal law. I defend and advise my clients on all criminal matters, such as ongoing investigation proceedings. Therefore, I have also acquired an additional qualification, called Specialised Lawyer for Criminal Law (“Fachanwalt für Strafrecht”).
What is a Specialised Lawyer for Criminal Law?
To become a Specialised Lawyer for Criminal Law, one must participate in a 120-hour advanced training course and pass three final exams. Additionally, one must have been practicing as a lawyer for at least three years and have handled at least 60 cases in the field of criminal law. The exact requirements are regulated in the Specialist Lawyers’ Regulations (Fachanwaltsordnung, FAO). According to Section 13 FAO, the lawyer must demonstrate special knowledge in:
- Methodology and law of criminal defense
- Criminal law including juvenile, narcotics, traffic, economic, and tax criminal law
- Criminal procedural law including juvenile criminal and administrative offense proceedings, as well as enforcement and execution of criminal law
- Only then can the lawyer apply for the title “Specialised Lawyer for Criminal Law.” (“Fachanwalt für Strafrecht”)
In order to keep the title, one must also provide proof of at least 15 hours of further training each year. This is intended to ensure that a specialised lawyer is always up to date.
What is a Specialised Lawyer for Criminal Law?
To become a Specialised Lawyer for Criminal Law, one must participate in a 120-hour advanced training course and pass three final exams. Additionally, one must have been practicing as a lawyer for at least three years and have handled at least 60 cases in the field of criminal law. The exact requirements are regulated in the Specialist Lawyers’ Regulations (Fachanwaltsordnung, FAO). According to Section 13 FAO, the lawyer must demonstrate special knowledge in:
Methodology and law of criminal defense
Criminal law including juvenile, narcotics, traffic, economic, and tax criminal law
Criminal procedural law including juvenile criminal and administrative offense proceedings, as well as enforcement and execution of criminal law
Only then can the lawyer apply for the title “Specialised Lawyer for Criminal Law.” (“Fachanwalt für Strafrecht”)
In order to keep the title, one must also provide proof of at least 15 hours of further training each year. This is intended to ensure that a specialised lawyer is always up to date.
How do I find a good lawyer?
Finding a good lawyer is not always easy. Google reviews or recommendations can help. However, you ultimately have to make the decision yourself. Therefore, you should feel confident in your selection and trust in the competence of your lawyer.
Answering these questions can help you choose the right lawyer:
- Is my lawyer specialised in the legal area where I need advice?
- Does my lawyer hold a specialised lawyer title?
- Does my lawyer have practical experience and profound legal knowledge in similar cases?
- Can I reach my lawyer easily? Is communication straightforward and friendly?
- Does my lawyer take my concerns seriously? Is my case a priority, or am I just one of many clients?
- Does my lawyer conscientiously inform me about risks?
- Is the fee structure reasonable and transparent?
