France is one of Europe’s leading legal education destinations, known for its influential legal system and globally respected academic tradition. Law degrees in France attract international students interested in civil law, international law, and European legal studies.
With affordable public universities and a growing number of English-taught Master’s programs, France offers strong academic foundations and excellent career prospects. This guide explains how law degrees in France work, highlights key legal fields, and explores career opportunities for international graduates.
French Legal Education System
The French legal education system is structured, academic, and rooted in the civil law tradition, which differs from the common law system used in countries like the UK and the US. Law studies in France are mainly offered through public universities, following a nationally standardized curriculum.
Legal education is divided into three main academic levels: Licence (Bachelor’s), Master, and Doctorate (PhD). Students begin with a broad foundation in legal principles, public and private law, and gradually specialize in areas such as international law, European law, business law, or criminal law at the Master’s level.
Teaching focuses heavily on legal theory, case analysis, and written examinations, helping students develop strong analytical and reasoning skills. While most undergraduate law programs are taught in French, many Master’s programs—especially in international and European law—are available in English, making law degrees in France increasingly accessible to international students.
Studying international law in France
Most international law programs in France are offered at the Master’s level, and many are taught fully in English, especially in areas such as international public law, human rights law, European Union law, and international business law.
Key features of studying international law in France include:
- Programs focused on international public law, EU law, human rights, and global governance
- Many English-taught Master’s degrees, ideal for international students
- Strong links with international institutions, courts, and NGOs
- Emphasis on legal theory, treaties, and comparative legal systems
- Opportunities for internships, research projects, and academic exchanges
- Access to major international hubs such as Paris, home to UNESCO and other global bodies
Studying international law in France offers students both academic depth and exposure to real-world international legal frameworks, preparing them for careers beyond national borders.
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Law Career Paths in France
Graduates of law degrees in France have access to a wide range of career opportunities across public institutions, private practice, international organizations, and the corporate sector. Thanks to France’s strong legal tradition and its central role in Europe, law graduates can build careers at both national and international levels.
Common law career paths in France include:
- Legal practice: Becoming a lawyer (avocat) after completing additional professional training and passing the bar exam
- Judicial careers: Working as a judge or prosecutor through competitive national examinations
- Corporate law roles: Legal advisor, compliance officer, or in-house counsel for companies and multinational firms
- International organizations & NGOs: Legal and policy roles in institutions such as the EU, UN agencies, and international NGOs
- Public administration: Careers in ministries, regulatory bodies, and governmental legal departments
- Academia & research: Teaching law or working as a legal researcher after postgraduate studies
- Consulting & policy analysis: Advising governments, think tanks, or international institutions on legal and regulatory matters
Career outcomes often depend on the level of study (Bachelor, Master, or PhD), specialization, language skills, and whether graduates aim to work within France or internationally.
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Difference between Common Law and French Law
France follows a civil law system, which differs significantly from the common law system used in countries such as the UK, the United States, and Canada. Key differences between Common Law and French Law:
- Legal system
- Common Law: Based largely on judicial decisions and legal precedents
- French Law (Civil Law): Based on written legal codes and statutes
- Role of judges
- Common Law: Judges interpret and shape the law through court rulings
- French Law: Judges apply existing legal codes rather than create law
- Legal sources
- Common Law: Case law, precedents, and statutes
- French Law: Civil Code, Penal Code, Commercial Code, and other codified laws
- Legal education
- Common Law: Strong focus on case analysis and legal reasoning
- French Law: Emphasis on legal theory, codes, and systematic interpretation of law
- Court procedures
- Common Law: Adversarial system with active roles for lawyers
- French Law: More inquisitorial, with judges playing a central investigative role
Students studying law in France must adapt to a code-based legal framework, structured legal reasoning, and a different courtroom culture.
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Legal Professions in France
France offers a wide range of legal professions, each with clearly defined roles, qualifications, and career paths. The French legal system is highly structured, and entering most legal professions requires specific academic degrees, competitive exams, and professional training.
Avocat (Lawyer)
Lawyers in France represent and advise clients in legal matters. Becoming an avocat requires a law degree, passing the bar entrance exam, and completing professional training. Many lawyers specialize in areas such as business, criminal, or international law.
Magistrat (Judge or Prosecutor)
Judges and prosecutors are responsible for administering justice and representing the state. This is one of the most competitive legal careers in France and requires admission to the National School for the Judiciary (ENM).
Notaire (Notary)
Notaires handle legally binding documents such as property transactions, inheritance matters, and marriage contracts. They act as public officials appointed by the state and must complete advanced legal education and professional training.
Juriste (In-house Legal Counsel)
In-house legal counsels work within companies, financial institutions, and international organizations, focusing on contracts, compliance, and regulatory issues. This path is especially popular among international graduates.
Huissier de Justice (Judicial Officer)
Judicial officers are responsible for enforcing court decisions and serving legal documents. This role requires specialized legal training and official certification.
Opportunities for International Graduates
while some regulated professions are limited to French nationals, international graduates often pursue careers in international law, corporate law, compliance, arbitration, and legal consulting—particularly through English-taught programs
Conclusion
France offers a well-structured and internationally respected environment for studying law. With a strong civil law tradition, globally recognized universities, and specialized programs in international and European law, France is an attractive destination for students seeking high-quality legal education.
Graduates of law degrees in France gain access to diverse career opportunities in legal practice, international organizations, corporate law, and policy-related fields.
If you’re ready to take the next step, EuroGlobe Education is here to support you — from choosing the right law program to admissions guidance, visa support, and long-term planning in France.
