Introduction
Do you dream of becoming a lawyer? You’re not alone. The legal profession captures the imagination: you assist clients in legal disputes, you can argue cases in court, and you translate complex legislation into practical solutions. But how do you become a lawyer in the Netherlands? In this blog, we’ll explain what education you need, how the legal internship works, and what steps you need to take to eventually start practicing as a fully licensed lawyer.
Step 1: A university law degree
To become a lawyer, you must complete a university degree in law. You start with a bachelor’s degree in law, which takes three years. After that, you pursue a master’s degree in law, for example in civil law, criminal law, or labor law. Most universities offer various specializations.
The entire university program takes about four years if pursued on a full-time basis. Upon completion, you may officially call yourself a Master of Laws (LL.M.). This is a required degree for admission to the bar.
Step 2: From a two-year college to a four-year university (if applicable)
Did you complete a bachelor’s degree in law at a university of applied sciences? If so, you can still transfer to a university through a pre-master’s program. After completing the pre-master’s program, you’ll pursue the same master’s degree as university students. The entire process will take a little longer on average, but the end result is the same: you’ll earn the title of “Mr.” and can move on to the next step.
Step 3: Becoming a Law Clerk
After you graduate, you can apply for a position at a law firm. If you’re hired, you’ll start as a trainee attorney. That title might sound like you’re still in training, but in reality, you’ll be fully involved in real cases from day one. So you’ll be an active part of the firm right away, under the supervision of an experienced mentor (a certified supervisor within the Bar Association).
You can choose a job at a commercial law firm—for example, in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district—or at a social-service law firm, where you’ll work for private individuals and clients receiving subsidized legal aid. Both paths lead to the same ultimate goal.
Step 4: Professional Training for the Legal Profession
During your internship, you’ll enroll in the Professional Training Program for the Legal Profession (BA). This program lasts two years and consists of training days, peer review sessions, and exams. You’ll have a training day about once every two to three weeks, during which you’ll combine theory with skills such as advocacy, writing, and negotiation.
The training program is mandatory and is an important part of your development as an independent attorney. It will teach you the professional ethics, procedural law, and in-depth subject matter knowledge you need to practice law.
Step 5: From Intern to Fully Licensed Attorney
After three years of internship and the successful completion of your professional training, you are officially a fully licensed attorney. This means that you remain registered with the Dutch Bar Association without being under the supervision of a mentor.
From this point on, you can represent clients independently, conduct litigation on your own, and possibly even start your own law firm. You will then be fully responsible for your practice and bound by the professional association’s code of conduct.
Conclusion
Becoming a lawyer is an intensive process, but with the right dedication and guidance, it is achievable for those with legal ambitions. Whether you enter the program through a university or a university of applied sciences, the path is not complete until you’ve finished your professional training and gained three years of work experience as a trainee lawyer. After that, a multifaceted and responsible career awaits, with opportunities for specialization, entrepreneurship, and making a social impact.
This blog was written by Stijn Blom, Esq., an employment law attorney at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and assists employers and employees on a daily basis with a wide range of employment law issues. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight contracts and policies—with his practical and personalized approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to learn more? Visit Stijn’s page.
Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to help you if you have any questions about employment law. Please feel free to contact us .
April 2025