What do I (USA with Calif. bar & 2 years experience) need to work as an attorney in Holland/Netherlands?

Question

(1) USA Citizen
(2) California Bar 2 years Experience
(3) I will have a partner residence permit b/c my wife's employer in Holland will help me too
(4) Do not speak Dutch, but plan to learn

Answer 1

To be able to work as a attorney, judge or prosecutor in Dutch courts you'll need a Dutch law degree (master degree), Dutch nationality however is not a requirement. If however, you get a job as a legal consultant this may not be strictly necessary, and international /UN organisations (International Court, ICC, ICTY etc.) too, may not require a Dutch law degree.

To find out what your academic credentials are actually worth you can contact the IDW in the Netherlands, or -closer to home- the IERF (see links below). For more details about immigration see the IND website (Dutch Immigration Authority).

Since the legal systems of the US and the Netherlands are so different, you may have to follow additional courses in order to qualify. The Dutch legal system is largely based on French codifed law, although it does accept case law as a legal source to base a verdict upon. Furthermore, Dutch law does not make use of juries. Instead, the more serious cases (criminal, civil or otherwise) are referred to panels with three judges. Minor cases are handled by a single judge.

You may also want to have a look at some of the leading legal offices in the Netherlands, such as Stibbe, Pels Rijcken (who also represent the State in legal matters), or De Brauw Blackstone.

The Hague in the West of the country is the de facto legal capitol of the world, and as such, attracts a large number of legal disciplines.

Hope this helps you on your way.