Rechtsanwalts

Rechtsanwalt is the professional title for a licensed lawyer in German-speaking countries. The genitive form Rechtsanwalts appears in phrases such as die Rechtsanwaltskanzlei and is used to denote belonging or relation to a Rechtsanwalt. In everyday usage, the plural Rechtsanwälte refers to lawyers collectively. The profession provides legal advice, drafts documents, negotiates settlements, and represents clients in court and before authorities, handling civil, criminal, administrative, and corporate matters.

Becoming a Rechtsanwalt generally requires completing a law degree, passing two state examinations, and a practical training period. After meeting professional and ethical prerequisites, candidates are admitted to a regional bar association (Rechtsanwaltskammer), which regulates the profession, maintains the roll of lawyers, and enforces the professional code. Similar structures exist in Austria and Switzerland, with country-specific requirements and bar bodies.

Professional conduct is governed by rules that emphasize confidentiality, independence, avoidance of conflicts of interest, and diligent, competent representation. Lawyers are regulated by national acts and professional codes, and in Germany may be subject to fee schedules set by the Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz (RVG).

Practice scope excludes notarial acts or patent prosecution, which are handled by other professions in many jurisdictions. Rechtsanwälte may work solo or in firms, participate in continuing education, and join regional or specialized associations. In cross-border matters, EU rules on legal services facilitate some cross-border work, often requiring cooperation with local counsel and awareness of local procedural law.