Brief Description of Legal Studies in Italy
Within the fabric of academic education, the law occupies a significant role in Italy, where an extensive system of legal academics, linked to centuries of rich historical and cultural backgrounds, oversees legal education and professional training. Italy is home to many prestigious universities, including the University of Padua (born in February 1222), which has been a pioneer in legal education in Europe, leading for a long time the rankings of European universities. The University of Padua provides Law degrees that are recognized at a European level, and it remains a point of reference for the legal community throughout the country. The first Italian faculty of Law was opened in Bologna and became quickly a paradigm for early European civilization.
Italian citizens traditionally have a high regard for a law degree, which confers respect and prestige. Italian law schools are well regarded internationally for their academic rigor and their graduates find considerable success in international practice . Many Italian lawyers study abroad, especially in the UK and US, and some have a double degree (both foreign and Italian) after graduation.
Italian law degrees are four-year programs and encompass a broad range of legal subjects. Practice of law in Italy requires passing an exam set by the National Ministry of Justice and successful completion of a traineeship program; alternatively, it is possible to complete a traineeship in-house in a law firm or company. A third option consists of a traineeship abroad, be it in a law firm or a company/organization. Commonly recruited trainees have a very good command of English and some knowledge of a different language, typically French or German. This kind of opportunity is strongly encouraged as European lawyers tend to have a broader knowledge of laws in different jurisdictions and it is a great opportunity to learn a new language.
To conclude, in Italy legal education is highly regarded and offers students multiple possibilities, both academically and professionally.
Leading Law Institutions in Italy
Admission to these institutions can be quite competitive, and it is advisable for anyone intending to practice law abroad to make every effort to gain entrance. A student that can pass a diploma di maturità or diploma di licenza conclusivo del corso di studi secondari superiore will have a very good chance of being admitted.
As of 2018, the following are some of the top law schools in Italy:
Sapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome is a public university located in Rome; it was founded over six centuries ago and it is one of the most prestigious Italian universities. It is one of the largest European universities in terms of enrollments with over 140,000 students and a faculty of 4,000 professors. It is also the second oldest university in the world after the Bologna University (founded in 1088). It not only has a very modern infrastructure and over 20 libraries; it also organizes about 140 cultural events each year.
The law faculty is one of the most prestigious faculties of the Sapienza University of Rome. Professors are recognized scientists and academics, but they are also actively practicing lawyers and judges. The faculty also provides bilingual courses through a consortium with the University of Göttingen in Germany. Quality of education is ensured and maintained through strict study periods, deadlines, in-class discussions and multiple seminars. The degrees offered by the university are all recognized internationally.
University of Milan
The University of Milan was founded in more than six centuries ago and it is a public university with 60,000 students and over 11,000 staff. It has three campuses in addition to a university hospital and is one of the largest European universities. Many of the faculties of the university are placed in the first rank of the Italian educational system. The law faculty is particularly praised as it offers education based on an active methodology with limited number of students in each class to ensure better communication between the students and their professors. The university offers several specializations in international and European law and several fully taught English degree programs.
University of Bologna
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the oldest university in the Western world and it is also one of the most prestigious European universities. The faculty has a 900-year long history of coping with most difficult legal matters, it attracts students from around the world and it offers a variety of interesting and challenging degrees. The law faculty currently provides education for more than 9,500 students through 132 full-time faculty members. Its degrees are recognized and ranked among the best law programs in Italy and it is regularly present on international evaluation charts.
Requirements for Italian Law Institutions
In Italy, admission into law schools is subject to specific criteria, which may vary slightly from one institution to another. In general, prospective students are required to have completed their high school education, and in the case of students who completed their studies outside the country, to produce specific documentation demonstrating the equivalency of their credentials.
Another common admission requirement is the result of an entry exam in a set subject (such as civil law or the sciences), usually set by the specific faculty. In recent years, however, the Italian Ministry of Education has established a centralized entrance exam, in a bid to standardize the process. In this regard, such exams are regulated through Ministerial Decree 270/2004, Article 3. Although law faculties may set their own entrance questions, they must be approved by the Ministry.
In order to begin university-level education, students must demonstrate their command of the Italian language. This command may be established through the submission of a language certificate recognized by the Italian State Department, or by taking a test organized by the faculty of the preferred law school.
Study Programs and Concentrations
The path to a career in law begins with challenging coursework designed to lay the foundation for students aspiring to eventually join the ranks of Italian attorneys. While the curriculum requirements vary between institutions, all law schools offer a basic study plan that includes all the key educational components outlined by the Italian Ministry of Education. The first couple of years are dedicated to crucial education fundamentals such as:
The Ministry of Education stipulates that the remaining years include study in private law and public law, including administrative and constitutional law.
Law students in Italy are also invited to select a specialization to focus on. Some of the most popular options include:
Many of these concentrations can be pursued further through an additional program of study or professional school. The Italian government funds many such programs, allowing students to earn a law degree in as little as three years if they already have a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent). These optional programs grant further expertise in fields such as tax law, financial legislation, employment law and international arbitration. As is true in other parts of the world, students who study law in Italy generally complete internships at law firms, institutions or within large corporations, which can give them the hands-on experience educational programs can’t provide.
Opportunities for International Students
International Student Opportunities in The Best Law Schools in Italy
The ever-increasing globalized and connected world of the modern lawyer means many Italian law schools have increased opportunities for international students. Language support is sometimes provided for students who do not speak Italian, either through the provision of help from other students or also sometimes through special language classes. Additionally, many law schools in Italy offer full-fledged English programs, giving students the opportunity to navigate the school’s curriculum in English.
Special scholarships are available for Italian high school students, which are offered through the assistance of public and private entities, such as the Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca, or the Ministry of Public Education, of Universities and Research . Some prestigious law schools in Italy will provide international students with scholarships of different types and monetary amounts. It is common for all students, including international ones, to apply online for scholarships through the internet. Many scholarships are awarded based on merit, while some others require a submission of an application, sometimes along with even further documentation.
International opportunities for Italian law students abound, and it is very common for students to spend at least a semester studying abroad at a foreign university, with many universities in other countries offering a curriculum in the English language. Italian universities tend to maintain partnerships with foreign educational institutions, and it is often easy to coordinate travel and a semester’s study abroad through these programs.
Career Prospects After Graduating
From practicing attorneys to in-house counsel, academic roles, and beyond, law school graduates from some of the best law schools in Italy find themselves in a wealth of career opportunities. Upon graduation, the most common next step for aspiring lawyers is to complete the bar examination, after which the graduates can pursue a role in a variety of legal settings. Some choose to work as associates at prominent Italian law firms, or they may build a practice of their own for a period of 18 months or more before taking the bar. After a total of three years of practice, including completion of the bar exam, the graduate may then become a fully-fledged lawyer. In addition to private practice, many law school graduates over the years have found rewarding career paths with leading organizations, including: With a degree from a top Italian law school, graduates may also pursue international career opportunities such as those available within the European Union or the United Nations. Beyond the traditional roles for law school graduates, those who earn a graduate diploma in Italy may also find opportunities in marketing, sales, finance, auditing, and consulting roles, among others.
Cultural and Living Experiences for Law Students
Italy, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and profound cultural significance, is a captivating place to study law. Law students in Italy are often treated to an experience that goes beyond the classroom and offers a unique glimpse into the country’s storied past and vibrant culture.
In major Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence, law students not only have access to prestigious universities but also to some of the most remarkable historical sites in Western civilization. Universities in these locations offer guided tours of legal and historical landmarks, providing a hands-on experience that connects students to the very foundation of legal thought and practice. From exploring the Roman Forum and the Pantheon in Rome to visiting the iconic Duomo dome in Milan, or walking the cobblestone streets of Florence where many renowned thinkers lived and worked, the surroundings add a significant dimension to their education.
Student life in law schools in Italy also reflects the nation’s deep-rooted traditions. Universities often boast a diverse student body including domestic and international students, providing an environment that fosters both academic and social engagement . Cultural festivals, such as the Festa della Repubblica, are often celebrated on campus, creating opportunities for law students to bond while enjoying the local cuisine, music, and customs of Italy.
For those who seek an unfiltered experience of modern Italy, positions are available at international organizations and government institutions which have locations across the country. These roles allow students to witness firsthand how the teaching and practice of law interact, and to build contacts that may benefit them later in their legal careers.
Furthermore, Italy is home to many law students’ favourite pastimes: great food and drink. Cooking classes focusing on Italian cuisine are often available. Local products, such as olives, cheese, and wines, give students a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle and enjoyment of the culinary arts.
Finally, studying law in Italy means learning a second language. The most common foreign language studied in Italy is English, but there are also programs in Latin, German, and other languages that law students can learn alongside their legal studies.
In summary, studying law in Italy is not just about the destination but also about the journey and the experience of living in one of the most culturally rich countries in the world.