The French legal market, like many others in Europe, is becoming increasingly international. However, while it has always been relatively simple for foreign lawyers to establish themselves for short periods under the umbrella of existing French law firms, it is now becoming easier for foreign francophiles to qualify as avocats and stay in France long term, practising French law.
There are essentially two options open to lawyers wishing to establish themselves permanently in France. First, to pass an equivalency examination; and second, at least for EU-qualified lawyers, to take advantage of the provisions of a new EU Directive, 98/5/EC, which is currently being applied by certain French bars.
