Professions

Bar exam comprising two written papers and an oral examination

As regards the notary’s liability, the standard ten-year limitation period from the date on which the damage became known remains unchanged

by Giovanni Negri

13 June 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The examination for admission to the profession of solicitor will once again consist of two written papers and one oral examination. The decree-law has, in effect, incorporated the provisions previously contained in the draft enabling bill on the legal profession currently under discussion in the Senate, following its approval by the Chamber of Deputies. A necessary compromise after the Ministry of Justice had decided not to renew the extension of the current system for the 2023–24 period, which consists of one written and one oral exam.

The structure of the tests

The written tests involve the drafting of:

a) a reasoned opinion on a question proposed in a subject chosen by the candidate from private law, criminal law and administrative law;

b) a legal document demonstrating knowledge of substantive and procedural law, based on a practical case in those same areas.

The oral exam consists of an interview on:

a) solution to a practical case study drawing on knowledge of substantive and procedural law, in a subject chosen in advance by the candidate from among private law, criminal law and administrative law;

b) answers to three questions: the first on procedural, civil or criminal law, at the candidate’s choice; the second on substantive, civil, criminal or administrative law, at the candidate’s choice; and the third on constitutional, commercial, labour, international, European Union or tax law, at the candidate’s choice.

The notary’s responsibilities

With regard to notaries’ liability, the standard ten-year limitation period from the date on which the damage became known remains unchanged, but the action may not be brought more than fifteen years after the date on which the service was performed. This change also applies even if the contract for professional services was entered into prior to the decree coming into force, provided the service was performed subsequently.