Training and supervision

Attorneys are admitted to the Bar by the supervisory commission on attorneys only after a number of years of education and training. First, they must successfully complete a university education. Then they must work at least one year as a trainee in courts or law firms. Only then, can they take the very demanding bar examination. The bar exam is a prerequisite for practicing as an attorney and the granting of the respective license by the Supreme Court of the Canton of Zurich.

In 2002 the federal law on the Freedom of Labour for Attorneys entered into force. Accordingly, attorneys who represent clients in court, can now register with the cantonal attorneys register at their place of business and are thereby admitted to all courts in Switzerland.

Attorneys are subject to a strict supervision in their practice of law. This is carried out in two ways:

• by the state regulatory authority (in Zurich the Supreme Court respectively the supervisory commission for Attorneys-at-law) and
• by professional organisations such as the Zurich Bar Association.