Finding a lawyer in Europe: a guide for expats and international clients

Dealing with a legal problem in another country is daunting: unfamiliar rules, a different language and professional titles you may not recognize. This guide explains how lawyers work across Europe and how to find one you can trust.

Lawyers' titles across Europe

The protected professional title differs by country. Examples are Rechtsanwalt (Germany, Austria), avocat (France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Romania), abogado (Spain), avvocato (Italy), advocaat (Netherlands, Belgium), advogado (Portugal), adwokat or radca prawny (Poland), advokat (Nordic countries) and solicitor or barrister (Ireland). Only registered members of the bar may use these titles and represent clients in court.

How to check a lawyer's registration

Each country's bar keeps a register, and the European Commission's e-Justice "Find a lawyer" tool links national registers together. Use it to confirm a lawyer is admitted before you share documents or pay fees.

Notaries are different from lawyers

In most civil-law countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria, a notary is a public official who must authenticate certain transactions, such as property purchases, company formations, marriage contracts and some wills and inheritance matters. The notary is impartial and does not represent you. Many international buyers therefore hire their own independent lawyer as well, to check the property, the contract and the tax position.

Finding an English-speaking lawyer

• Search the city on Lawfindo and check firms' websites for English-language pages.
• Embassies (for example US, UK, Irish and Australian embassies) publish lists of local lawyers who speak English.
• Local bar associations and chambers of commerce can often refer you.
• Ask at the first contact whether the lawyer who will handle your case, not just the partner you first speak to, is fluent in English.

Fees

Fee rules differ. Some countries have statutory fee scales for certain work (Germany's RVG, for example). Contingency fees are restricted or banned in several countries, although success-related bonuses may be allowed. Always ask for a written engagement letter setting out hourly rates or fixed fees, and expected expenses and VAT.

Legal aid and cross-border cases

All EU countries provide legal aid for people who cannot afford a lawyer, subject to national means and merits tests. In cross-border civil disputes, EU rules give residents of other member states the right to apply for legal aid in the country where the case is heard. The European Small Claims Procedure handles cross-border claims up to €5,000 with simplified forms.

Common reasons international clients need a lawyer

• Buying or selling property, or inheriting it.
• Residence permits, work permits and citizenship.
• Setting up a company or employing staff.
• Cross-border divorce and children matters, where EU rules decide which country's courts have jurisdiction.
• Road accidents, consumer disputes and debt recovery.