Becoming a lawyer in Vietnam: the core requirements
Under the Law on Lawyers, a person who wishes to practise as a lawyer in Vietnam must hold a bachelor's degree in law, complete the lawyer training course (in practice, delivered by the Judicial Academy), and then serve a supervised apprenticeship — generally 12 months — at a law practice organisation under a qualified supervising lawyer. After the apprenticeship, the candidate must pass the apprenticeship assessment examination before applying to the Ministry of Justice for a lawyer's practising certificate, and must then join a provincial Bar Association before practising. The examination content is periodically reviewed so that it reflects current legislation and professional ethics. The aim of this sequence is to ensure that every lawyer has a sound grounding both in Vietnamese law and in the rules of professional conduct.
How Thailand compares
In Thailand, a candidate must hold a law degree and, to practise in court, obtain a lawyer's licence from the Lawyers Council of Thailand, which involves completing the Council's training and a period of practical training before the licensing examinations. Many practitioners also complete the Thai Barrister-at-Law course of the Institute of Legal Education. Courtroom practice is in principle reserved for Thai nationals. Unlike what is sometimes suggested, there is no formal statutory grading of lawyers into "junior", "senior" and "specialist"; such titles are internal to firms, so businesses should look at actual experience in the relevant field rather than at titles.
Singapore: the most demanding regime in the region
Singapore is generally regarded as one of the most rigorous legal markets in Asia. A candidate must graduate from a recognised local or overseas law school, pass the Bar Examinations administered by the Singapore Institute of Legal Education, and complete a period of practice training at a law firm before admission as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court. Practising lawyers must also meet mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements every year. These standards reflect Singapore's position as a leading international legal and dispute-resolution hub in Asia.
Lawyer training in Indonesia
Indonesia requires an advocate candidate to hold a law degree (S1 Hukum), complete the Special Education for the Advocate Profession (PKPA), pass the advocate professional examination organised by the bar organisation, and complete an internship — typically around two years — at an advocate's office before being sworn in. The Indonesian system places strong emphasis on professional ethics. Its overall structure is broadly comparable to Vietnam's, and practitioners also need a working knowledge of administrative and public law given the large number of regional regulations.
Where Vietnamese lawyers stand
There is no official ranking of legal professions in Asia. Broadly, Vietnam's entry pathway — degree, professional training course, apprenticeship and licensing — is structurally similar to Indonesia's and less demanding than Singapore's. Vietnam's practical advantage is that legal fees are generally lower than in Singapore and Thailand, which makes quality legal advice more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises. In recent years a growing number of Vietnamese lawyers have also obtained postgraduate qualifications from foreign law schools, which has strengthened the profession's capacity to handle cross-border work.
Trends and practical takeaways
Across Asia, demand is shifting towards specialised expertise — technology, personal data protection and cross-border transactions in particular. For Vietnam, continued investment in professional training and continuing education will be important for regional competitiveness. When choosing a Vietnamese lawyer, businesses should look beyond the general licence: check that the lawyer holds a valid practising certificate and Bar membership, and assess concrete experience in the matter at hand.
Note: This article summarises rules in force at the time of publication and is for general reference only; it is not a legal opinion on any specific matter. Legislation may be amended — please check the latest text or consult a lawyer before acting.