Federal Government creates new continuing education degree "Bachelor Professional in Legal Affairs"

The Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth issued a regulation on August 24, 2026, regarding the examination for the recognized advanced training qualification Bachelor Professional in Legal Affairs. It was published on September 2, 2026, in the Federal Law Gazette Part I No. 244 and enters into force upon proclamation. The regulation was issued in agreement with the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection and after consultation with the main committee of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training.

A new qualification of the second advanced training level

The regulation creates a recognized advanced training qualification of the second vocational advanced training level of higher-qualifying vocational education. It is aimed at specialist employees in law firms and proves the expansion of professional operational capacity for specialist and leadership functions, in which management processes are controlled independently and employees are led.

The qualification is offered in two specializations:

• Bachelor Professional in Legal Affairs, specialization in Law
• Bachelor Professional in Legal Affairs, specialization in Industrial Property Rights

To acquire the skills, knowledge, and abilities, a learning volume of at least 1,200 hours is generally provided.

Admission and Examination Areas

Admission to the examination is granted to those who have passed a final examination as a legal assistant (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte/r), lawyer and notary assistant (Rechtsanwalts- und Notarfachangestellte/r), patent attorney assistant (Patentanwaltsfachangestellte/r), or notary assistant (Notarfachangestellte/r). Alternatively, a qualification as a Certified Professional Specialist (Geprüfte/r Berufsspezialist/in) in the legal field, several years of professional experience, or a related degree with at least 90 credit points are sufficient.

The examination comprises three examination areas:

• Office Organization and Accounting
• Law Firm and Personnel Management
• depending on the specialization, Law or Industrial Property Rights

The written examination consists of three supervised papers with a processing time of 240 minutes each, supplemented by an oral examination of 30 minutes. The examination is passed if at least 50 points are achieved in each examination performance. The qualification simultaneously proves the vocational and work-pedagogical skills of the Instructor Aptitude Regulation (Ausbilder-Eignungsverordnung).

Transition from the previous Rechtsfachwirt

The new regulation replaces the previous regulation on the Certified Legal Specialist (Geprüfter Rechtsfachwirt) of August 23, 2001. Examinations already begun under the old regulation can be completed until December 31, 2029. Those who register for the examination by December 31, 2026, may, upon request, continue to be examined according to the previous regulation.

Significance for Practice

With the new qualification, legal, notary, and patent attorney assistants receive a nationwide recognized, upgraded advanced training qualification that makes leadership tasks in law firms visible and strengthens professional advancement prospects. The transitional arrangements give employees and examination bodies sufficient time to adjust to the new examination procedure.

Source: Federal Law Gazette, Part I No. 244 of September 2, 2026, p. 1 ff. (official reference: BGBl. 2026 I No. 244).