Dutch lawyer - a guide to lawyers in the Netherlands
A lawyer in the Netherlands (advocaat) is a court-admitted legal professional who is authorised to represent clients before all Dutch courts and must be registered with the Dutch Bar Association. The Netherlands has a regulated legal market with over 19,000 registered advocaten practising across cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. This guide is written for international businesses, expats, and in-house counsel who need to find, hire, or work with a Dutch lawyer.
This page gives the following information on lawyers in the Netherlands:
- What is a lawyer in the Netherlands?
- What types of lawyers are there in the Netherlands?
- What is an "advocaat" in the Netherlands?
- How do you become a lawyer (advocaat) in the Netherlands?
- How long does professional training take?
- What is the Dutch Bar Association?
- What should you do if you have a complaint about a lawyer?
- How do you file a disciplinary complaint?
- What is legal professional privilege in the Netherlands?
- How to find a lawyer in the Netherlands?
- Who is the best lawyer in the Netherlands?
- How to choose a Dutch lawyer?
- What does a lawyer cost in the Netherlands?
- How do you manage the cost of a lawyer?
- What to expect when working with a Dutch lawyer?
- Can a foreign lawyer work in the Netherlands?
- Can a lawyer from an EEA country or Switzerland work in the Netherlands?
- Can a European lawyer also act in a case in the Netherlands?
- Can lawyers from other countries work in the Netherlands?
What is a lawyer in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, 'jurist' is a broad Dutch term referring to any person who practises law. In general, a jurist in the Netherlands is a person who has successfully completed university studies in law (bachelor and master) at a recognised Dutch university such as the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, or Utrecht University. Upon completion of these studies, the graduate may use the title 'master in law' ('mr.').
The Dutch legal system is rooted in the civil law tradition. Unlike in common law countries such as the UK and the US, where case law and judicial precedent are the primary sources of law, Dutch law is primarily codified in statutes such as the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek), the Code of Civil Procedure (Wetboek van Burgerlijke Rechtsvordering), and the Criminal Code (Wetboek van Strafrecht). As a result, a lawyer in the Netherlands must have solid knowledge of these codes and how Dutch courts interpret them. For example, Dutch lawyers practising in the field of contract law or employment law must be well-versed in the relevant books of the Civil Code.
What types of lawyers are there in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, there are several types of legal professionals. The most important ones for individuals and businesses seeking legal assistance are:
An attorney-at-law (in Dutch: 'advocaat') is the most common type of lawyer in the Netherlands. An advocaat is authorised to represent clients before all Dutch courts and provides legal advice on virtually any area of law. Most advocaten specialise in a particular field, such as contract law, employment law, corporate law, family law, or criminal law.
A notary (in Dutch: 'notaris') is a public official who draws up and authenticates legal documents, such as deeds for real estate transfers, articles of incorporation, wills, and marriage contracts. Unlike an advocaat, a notary is impartial and does not represent one party against another.
A tax lawyer (in Dutch: 'belastingadviseur') advises on tax matters. Tax lawyers in the Netherlands are not necessarily admitted to the bar, though some are both tax advisors and advocaten.
A bailiff (in Dutch: 'deurwaarder') is a public official responsible for serving legal documents, enforcing court judgments, and collecting debts. A bailiff does not provide legal advice or represent clients in court.
An in-house company lawyer (in Dutch: 'bedrijfsjurist') works as an employee of a company and provides legal advice to that company. In-house lawyers are not admitted to the bar and cannot represent their employer in court proceedings. Unlike in the UK, where in-house solicitors enjoy the same legal privilege as external lawyers, Dutch in-house lawyers (bedrijfsjuristen) do not enjoy legal professional privilege (verschoningsrecht). For international businesses, this means that sensitive legal communications should be handled by a registered advocaat if privilege protection is needed.
Other legal professionals in the Netherlands include mediators, arbitrators, patent and trademark agents, and legal scholars. These professionals each have their own qualifications and roles, but cannot represent clients before courts.
What is an "advocaat" in the Netherlands?
In the Dutch legal system, the distinction between an 'advocaat' and other legal professionals is important. Only an 'advocaat' has the right to represent clients before Dutch courts in most civil and criminal proceedings. Other legal professionals, such as in-house lawyers or tax advisors, may provide legal advice but generally cannot represent clients in court. For matters involving legal proceedings in the Netherlands, engaging a registered 'advocaat' is usually required.
So, an 'advocaat' in the Netherlands is always a lawyer; however, a lawyer in the Netherlands is not always a Dutch 'advocaat'. Each type of Dutch lawyer has its own qualifications and knowledge of parts of Dutch law.
In the following (as is actually common in day-to-day practice, although not entirely precise), the generic English term 'lawyer' will be used for a Dutch 'advocaat', the sworn lawyer whose actions are regulated by all kinds of legislation and who is supervised by the Dutch Bar Association (in Dutch: 'de Nederlandse orde van advocaten', 'NOvA').
How do you become a lawyer (advocaat) in the Netherlands?
A person who has completed a law degree at a Dutch university and wants to work as a lawyer (as in: 'advocaat') in the Netherlands must be sworn in by a Dutch court to be a lawyer in the Netherlands. This is followed by a three-year internship period at a law firm, under the guidance of an experienced lawyer (advocaat), the patron. During this training period, the Dutch lawyer is not allowed to practice law independently. From the moment a lawyer is sworn in as a lawyer in the Netherlands, he or she may use the title of 'advocaat' protected by the Dutch Law on Advocates (even though he is also often referred to as a 'trainee lawyer' during the internship period).
Under the provisions of Article 9a of Dutch Lawyers Act (in Dutch: 'Advocatenwet'), only a person who is registered as a lawyer under Article 1(1) or 2a(1) of that Dutch law is entitled to use the title of 'advocaat'.
During the apprenticeship, every lawyer in the Netherlands must take the Professional Training Programme for the Legal Profession and pass six exams, including in the subjects 'Alternative Dispute Resolution' and 'Dutch Disciplinary Law'.
How long does professional training take to become a lawyer in the Netherlands?
The traineeship (stage) to become a fully qualified lawyer in the Netherlands takes three years. During this period, trainee lawyers (advocaat-stagiairs) work under the supervision of a patron at a law firm while completing the two-year professional training programme (beroepsopleiding advocaten). This mandatory programme includes examinations in subjects such as civil procedural law, professional ethics, alternative dispute resolution, and disciplinary law. The training is provided by the Dutch Bar Association and combines coursework with practical experience.
After completing the traineeship, every Dutch lawyer must continue to meet annual continuing education requirements (permanente opleiding). This ensures that lawyers stay up to date with developments in legislation, case law, and legal practice. In practice, this means that the path to becoming a fully qualified advocaat in the Netherlands takes approximately eight years: six years of university education followed by a three-year traineeship (with some overlap).
What is the Dutch Bar Association?
By operation of Dutch law, every lawyer (advocaat) in the Netherlands is automatically and compulsorily a member of the Dutch Bar Association (in Dutch: 'de Nederlandse orde van advocaten', or 'NOvA'). The Dutch Bar Association is the public law professional organization of the legal profession, established under the Lawyers Act (Advocatenwet) on 1 October 1952.
The Dutch Bar Association must ensure that lawyers comply with professional rules and is authorised to issue regulations that are binding on its members. In addition to the national body, there are 11 local Bar Associations, one in each court district. Each local Bar Association is headed by a Dean who chairs the Local Council and acts as the first point of contact for complaints about lawyers in the Netherlands.
Under Section 10a of the Lawyers Act, the five core values of a Dutch lawyer are: independence, partiality in representing the client's interests, professional expertise, integrity, and confidentiality. These core values form the foundation of the professional rules of conduct that every Dutch lawyer must observe.
These core values are further elaborated in the Code of Conduct for Advocates (Gedragsregels advocatuur), most recently revised in 2018 by the Dutch Bar Association. The Code of Conduct contains 29 rules, organised into four categories. The first category (Rules 1 to 11) addresses the lawyer's role in society, including duties of independence, confidentiality, and truthfulness towards the court. The second category (Rules 12 to 19) governs the relationship with clients, covering matters such as diligence, conflict of interest, fee arrangements, and the obligation to provide a clear engagement letter. The third category (Rules 20 to 23) deals with conduct during legal proceedings, including fair dealing with opposing parties and the handling of witnesses. The fourth category (Rules 24 to 29) regulates relations between lawyers, such as collegial conduct, taking over a case from another lawyer, and cooperation with disciplinary authorities.
Although the Code of Conduct does not have the force of law in itself, the disciplinary courts (Raad van Discipline and Hof van Discipline) apply these rules when assessing whether a lawyer has acted in accordance with professional standards. A breach of the Code of Conduct can lead to disciplinary sanctions ranging from a warning to permanent disbarment. For international businesses, this means that the Dutch legal profession operates under a strict and transparent regulatory system, which provides a level of assurance about the quality and conduct of Dutch lawyers.
What should you do if you have a complaint about a lawyer in the Netherlands?
A lawyer (advocaat) in the Netherlands who fails to comply with professional standards can be held accountable through several complaint and dispute resolution mechanisms. If you have a complaint about your lawyer in the Netherlands, the following steps are available.
The first step is to discuss the complaint directly with the lawyer concerned, or with the law firm's designated complaints officer (klachtenfunctionaris). Every law firm in the Netherlands is required to have an office complaints procedure (kantoorklachtenregeling) and to make it available to clients.
If this does not lead to a satisfactory solution, you can turn to the Dispute Resolution Commission for the Legal Profession (Geschillencommissie Advocatuur). This commission offers a relatively accessible and affordable procedure for disputes about the quality of legal services or about the lawyer's invoice. Not all law firms are affiliated with the Geschillencommissie. If the lawyer's firm is not affiliated, you may escalate the matter to the Dean (deken) of the local bar association instead.
The Dean supervises all lawyers in a court district (arrondissement) and acts as the first point of contact for complaints. The Dean investigates the complaint, may attempt to mediate, and can refer the matter to the disciplinary court if necessary. This applies not only to complaints about your own lawyer, but also to complaints about the opposing party's lawyer.
How do you file a disciplinary complaint against a Dutch lawyer?
If you choose the disciplinary route, a complaint must be filed with the Dean of the Bar Association in the district where the lawyer is based. There are 11 districts in the Netherlands. The Dean investigates the complaint and explores whether mediation is possible.
If the Dean's investigation does not result in a solution, the complainant may request that the complaint be forwarded to the Disciplinary Council (Raad van Discipline). A fee of € 50 applies for this referral. The Disciplinary Council then assesses whether the lawyer has acted in accordance with professional standards and the Code of Conduct (Gedragsregels).
Possible disciplinary sanctions include a warning, a reprimand, a (conditional) suspension for a maximum of one year, and, in the most serious cases, disbarment (schrapping), which means permanent removal from the bar register. The Disciplinary Council may also order the lawyer to reimburse costs. Decisions of the Disciplinary Council can be appealed to the Court of Discipline (Hof van Discipline) in The Hague.
The Dutch Bar Association maintains a publicly accessible register of lawyers who have been suspended or disbarred. This allows prospective clients to verify whether a lawyer in the Netherlands is in good standing before engaging their services.
What is legal professional privilege in the Netherlands?
One of the most important advantages of engaging a registered advocaat in the Netherlands is legal professional privilege (in Dutch: 'verschoningsrecht'). This means that a Dutch advocaat has the right, and the duty, to refuse to disclose confidential information about a client, even when requested by a court, the police, or tax authorities. This privilege is enshrined in Dutch law and applies to all communications between a lawyer and client relating to legal advice and representation.
However, legal professional privilege does not apply to other legal professionals in the Netherlands, such as in-house lawyers, tax advisors, or legal consultants. This is an important distinction: only communications with a registered advocaat are protected. Unlike in England and Wales, where legal advice privilege extends to qualified in-house solicitors, Dutch law reserves this protection exclusively for registered advocaten. For this reason, businesses dealing with sensitive matters, such as regulatory investigations, freezing orders, or complex contractual disputes, should use an advocaat rather than an in-house lawyer for confidential communications.
How to find a lawyer in the Netherlands?
When looking for a lawyer in the Netherlands, the first step is to identify the area of law involved. Dutch law broadly divides into civil law, criminal law, and administrative law. Within civil law, the main practice areas include contract law, employment law, and civil litigation. Many Dutch lawyers specialise in one or two of these areas, so finding a lawyer with relevant expertise is essential.
To verify whether someone is a registered lawyer (advocaat) in the Netherlands, the Dutch Bar Association maintains a public register on its website. This register allows you to search for a lawyer by name, city, district, and area of specialisation. Most law firms in the Netherlands are based in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague (Den Haag), Utrecht, and Eindhoven. The Zuidas business district in Amsterdam is home to many of the largest international law firms in the Netherlands.
For international clients looking for an English-speaking lawyer in the Netherlands, the Dutch Law Institute has compiled rankings of litigation attorneys and lists of recommended lawyers in various practice areas. The Institute also provides practical guidance on hiring a Dutch attorney. If you use one of the recommended lawyers, the Institute welcomes feedback on the services provided.
Who is the best lawyer in the Netherlands?
The Dutch Law Institute is regularly approached with the question of how to find the best lawyer in the Netherlands. There is no single answer to this question, as it depends on the area of law, the complexity of the case, and the specific needs of the client. However, the Dutch Law Institute has compiled lists of recommended English-speaking lawyers in the Netherlands for various practice areas, based on research by an independent committee. These lists are intended to help individuals and businesses find a qualified lawyer for their specific legal matter.
In any case, every Dutch lawyer can at least be expected to follow Dutch professional standards: treating clients with respect, providing an objective assessment of the legal situation, making clear fee agreements, communicating effectively, maintaining strict confidentiality, acting in accordance with the code of conduct of the Dutch Bar Association, and keeping clients informed of the costs at reasonable intervals.
Lists of top Dutch lawyers by practice area
How to choose a Dutch lawyer?
When choosing a lawyer in the Netherlands, specialisation is the most important factor. Dutch law is broad, and a lawyer experienced in dismissal procedures is not necessarily the right choice for a breach of contract dispute. Therefore, ask the lawyer how many similar cases he or she has handled and what the outcomes were.
For international clients, it is important that the lawyer communicates clearly in English and is responsive. Most larger Dutch law firms have English-speaking lawyers, but smaller firms may not. If your matter involves cross-border elements, verify that the lawyer has experience with international cases and is familiar with EU regulations on jurisdiction and applicable law.
In addition, a reputable Dutch lawyer will offer an initial consultation, often by phone or video call, to assess your case before taking it on. During this intake, the lawyer should provide a clear fee estimate and explain the potential cost of court proceedings. Be wary of lawyers who guarantee a specific outcome or refuse to provide a written fee agreement. Under Dutch professional rules, every lawyer must provide a client with a written engagement letter (opdrachtbevestiging) setting out the scope of work and fee arrangements.
What does a lawyer cost in the Netherlands?
Lawyers in the Netherlands generally work for an hourly fee. The sum of the hourly fee varies from lawyer to lawyer. The hourly fee of a Dutch lawyer in consumer law cases is on average € 190. For commercial cases, Dutch lawyers generally charge rates between € 150 and € 450 per hour. Some Dutch lawyers charge even higher rates. These hourly rates have to be increased with 21% VAT. Some law firms still charge a percentage for 'office expenses' (kantoorkosten) on top of the hourly rate, but this practice is increasingly considered outdated and many clients no longer accept it. Travel time is generally charged at a reduced rate, such as half the hourly fee.
Unlike in the US, where contingency fees are standard practice in many areas of law, Dutch lawyers are in principle not allowed to work on a 'no cure, no pay' basis. However, since 1 January 2026, result-based fee arrangements are permitted in personal injury and wrongful death cases (letselschade- en overlijdensschadezaken). In all other cases, fee arrangements must be based on hourly rates, fixed fees, or a combination of both.
If a Dutch lawyer litigates in the Netherlands, there are additional costs on top of the hourly rate. These include court fees (griffierecht) and costs for experts and witnesses. Court fees depend on the type of case and the amount of the claim. If the case is lost, the court may also order the losing party to pay a contribution towards the opponent's legal costs. More information on the procedural aspects can be found on the page about legal proceedings in the Netherlands.
If one wins a lawsuit in the Netherlands, often only a small part of the actual costs will be reimbursed. Unlike in the UK, where a successful party can typically recover a substantial portion of its legal costs, the Dutch system uses standardised tariffs that usually cover only a fraction of actual fees. This is different if the losing party has abused its right to litigate, or if it has acted unlawfully in some other way, such as when the case is clearly hopeless from the outset.
In all other cases, the legal costs are reimbursed on the basis of a standardised scale (liquidatietarief). This means that the amount depends on the size of the claim and the work performed by the Dutch litigation lawyer, such as filing a written procedural document with the court. As a result, the reimbursement is usually significantly lower than the actual legal fees incurred.
Sometimes a litigant in Dutch court proceedings does not recover any of the costs at all. For example, this may happen if the case does not result in a final judgment, or if the parties agree to bear their own lawyer's fees.
How do you manage the cost of a lawyer in the Netherlands?
There are several ways to control the cost of hiring a lawyer in the Netherlands. The following ten tips can help you manage your legal fees effectively.
- Get free initial advice from Het Juridisch Loket. Before hiring a lawyer at all, individuals in the Netherlands can contact Het Juridisch Loket (the Legal Services Counter) for free basic legal advice by phone, online, or at one of its service points. This government-funded service is available to all private individuals, not to businesses. If your income falls below certain thresholds (for 2025: € 33,200 for singles or € 46,900 for couples), Het Juridisch Loket can also refer you to an affordable lawyer with a diagnostic document (diagnosedocument).
- Check your eligibility for subsidised legal aid. If your income and assets fall below certain thresholds, you may qualify for subsidised legal aid (gesubsidieerde rechtsbijstand) through the Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand). You then only pay a personal contribution (eigen bijdrage), which is scaled to your income. Your lawyer can submit the application on your behalf.
- Check your legal expenses insurance. Legal expenses insurance (rechtsbijstandsverzekering) is very common in the Netherlands. Many individuals and businesses have a policy, often as part of a home insurance package. Notify your insurer at the earliest stage of a case, as insurers often object if they are approached too late. Under Dutch and European law, insured persons have the right to freely choose their own lawyer when court or administrative proceedings are involved. This was confirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
- Compare multiple lawyers before committing. Consult at least two or three lawyers before making a decision. Many Dutch lawyers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation (kennismakingsgesprek). Compare not just hourly rates, but also their estimated total cost, their experience with your type of case, and their proposed fee structure. A specialist with a higher hourly rate may resolve your matter in fewer hours than a generalist.
- Negotiate the fee structure before engagement. Dutch lawyers are allowed to set their own fees, so there is room to negotiate. For well-defined matters such as drafting a contract or an uncontested divorce, ask for a fixed fee (vaste prijs). For other matters, consider agreeing on a fee cap (maximumbedrag). Also ask whether the lawyer bills in 6-minute increments rather than 15-minute blocks, as this can reduce costs over the course of a case.
- Request an itemised quote and detailed invoices. Before instructing a lawyer in the Netherlands, always ask for a written cost estimate (begroting) that breaks down expected hours, hourly rate, court fees (griffierecht), and other disbursements such as office fees, VAT, and travel expenses. During the engagement, insist on itemised invoices that show exactly what work was done and for how long.
- Know what you should not be charged for. Given the hourly rates that Dutch lawyers charge, a solid knowledge of the law and relevant case law is presumed. You should therefore not accept charges for studying legislation or case law (jurisprudentie) that any competent lawyer in the field should already know. Similarly, work performed by support staff such as secretaries should not be billed to you at all, as these are general overhead costs. Work by paralegals should at the very least be billed at a substantially lower rate than the lawyer's hourly fee. You should also not be charged for internal consultations between lawyers within the same firm, for file handovers when your case is transferred to a colleague, or for time spent by the firm getting a new lawyer up to speed on your matter.
- Do not accept percentage-based office expenses. Some Dutch law firms still add a percentage (typically 5 or 6%) for 'office expenses' (kantoorkosten) on top of the hourly rate. This practice is outdated and no longer accepted by experienced clients. General overhead such as printing, postage, and office supplies should already be included in the hourly rate. Also verify that travel time is billed at a reduced rate, such as half the lawyer's hourly fee, rather than at the full rate.
- Agree on regular cost updates. Agree in advance on interim updates on the time spent and associated costs. This prevents surprises at the end of the case and allows you to make informed decisions about whether to continue or look for alternative solutions.
- Prepare well before every meeting. Every minute your lawyer spends reading or sorting your documents is billed time. Before your first consultation, write a concise summary of the facts and timeline, organise all relevant documents in chronological order, and send copies to the lawyer in advance. Prepare a written list of questions so you cover everything in one session.
- Communicate efficiently. Batch your questions into a single email rather than sending several separate messages, as each communication may be billed as a separate action. Be concise and factual in your correspondence, and ask your lawyer to copy you on relevant letters so you stay informed without needing to call for updates.
- Consider mediation or other alternative dispute resolution. Mediation is typically faster and cheaper than going to court. In the Netherlands, mediators charge roughly € 150 to € 350 per hour, and many disputes are resolved in one or two sessions. Dutch courts actively encourage alternative dispute resolution, and if you qualify for legal aid, subsidised mediation is also available. For commercial disputes such as debt collection, this can be a cost-effective alternative to court proceedings.
What to expect when working with a Dutch lawyer?
When you instruct a lawyer in the Netherlands, the process typically begins with an intake meeting, either in person, by phone, or by video call. During this meeting, the lawyer will assess the facts of your case, identify the legal issues, and advise you on the available options and likely outcomes. The lawyer should also discuss the expected costs and timeline.
After the intake, the lawyer will send a written engagement letter (opdrachtbevestiging) confirming the scope of work, the applicable hourly rate or fee arrangement, and the general terms and conditions. Under Dutch professional rules, every lawyer is required to provide this written confirmation before starting work.
During the case, the lawyer will keep you informed of developments and important deadlines. If court proceedings are necessary, the lawyer will prepare and file the required documents with the court and represent you at hearings. We frequently advise international clients to establish clear communication protocols at the outset, including the preferred language (English or Dutch), reporting frequency, and the level of detail expected in cost updates.
For out-of-court matters, such as drafting or reviewing contracts, negotiating settlement agreements, or sending formal demand letters, the lawyer handles the legal work and keeps you updated on progress. You can generally expect to receive periodic invoices detailing the time spent and work performed.
Can a foreign lawyer work in the Netherlands?
Foreign lawyers can work in the Netherlands if they meet certain conditions. These conditions depend on how frequently one wants to practise as an attorney at law in the Netherlands and in what capacity. The relevant rules are set out in the Dutch Lawyers Act (Advocatenwet) and in EU directives on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Importantly, foreign lawyers who are not admitted to the Dutch bar may still provide legal advice on the law of their home country. However, they may not represent clients before Dutch courts unless they meet the specific admission requirements outlined below.
Can a lawyer from an EEA country or Switzerland work in the Netherlands?
If one is registered as an attorney at law in an EEA country or in Switzerland, one can establish oneself as an attorney at law in the Netherlands, if the conditions of the establishment directive for attorneys at law are met. One can then work as a lawyer in the Netherlands under the so-called original professional title of the home country.
However, one must register with the Supervisory Council of the Dutch Bar Association. For this, one needs, among other things, proof of registration as a lawyer with the competent authority in the home country.
You can apply to the Supervisory Council after 3 years for a certificate showing that you have been working in the relevant legal capacity in the Netherlands. With this declaration, you can register as a lawyer in the members' list of the Dutch Bar Association (in Dutch: the "Tableau"). You will then no longer have to take a professional competence test or work as an apprentice.
Can a European lawyer also act in a case in the Netherlands?
Under the Services Directive for lawyers, if a lawyer qualified as such in an EEA country or Switzerland wishes to work incidentally in the Netherlands, he or she can act as a lawyer in the Netherlands under the professional title of the country of origin (the 'home title').
However, several conditions apply. When representing a client before a Dutch court, the foreign lawyer must cooperate with a lawyer who is registered in the Netherlands. This Dutch lawyer is responsible for verifying compliance with local procedural rules. The foreign lawyer must also inform the local bar association before providing services. For arbitration proceedings in the Netherlands, these restrictions generally do not apply, and foreign lawyers may represent clients without a Dutch counterpart.
Can lawyers from other countries work in the Netherlands?
A lawyer from countries outside the EEA or Switzerland (e.g. the United States of America, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand) who wishes to practise as an advocaat in the Netherlands must in principle obtain a Dutch law degree. This typically means completing a master's programme in Dutch law at a Dutch university. However, if the foreign degree has been accredited or partially recognised, some exemptions may be granted, reducing the number of courses required.
Foreign-qualified lawyers who do not wish to become a registered advocaat may still work in the Netherlands as legal consultants or advisors on the law of their home country. They may not, however, use the title 'advocaat', represent clients before Dutch courts, or benefit from legal professional privilege under Dutch law. In practice, this means that US or UK-qualified lawyers working for international firms in the Netherlands typically advise on their home jurisdiction's law, while Dutch-qualified colleagues handle Dutch law matters and court representation.
