While a bachelor of Law presents diverse career paths, today we’re focusing on the role of a State attorney – an avenue accessible through competitive examinations that boasts substantial career prospects. This profession offers significant advancements in position, professional esteem, and financial remuneration.

Below, we outline the role and responsibilities of a State attorney, along with the prerequisites for pursuing this path. We also explain how Esade can assist you in preparing for the competitive examinations. If you thrive on challenges and harbor a fervent interest in the legal realm, embarking on this journey could be your gateway to a fulfilling legal career.

State attorneys are revered as part of the legal elite, often commanding some of the most lucrative
salaries among civil servants

What is a State attorney?

A State attorney, as a civil servant, serves as a legal representative, defender, and advisor to the General State Administration, its public entities, and constitutional organs across national and international legal matters.

Successful candidates in the competitive examinations secure a position within the Corps of State Attorneys, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, covering the entirety of a country’s territory.

What does a State attorney do? Main duties

A State attorney operates across various domains, including ministries, the National Court, or the Supreme Court, engaging in both adversarial and consultative roles. Their main duties include:

  1. Representing and safeguarding the State and its entities in legal proceedings;
  2. Initiating appeals on behalf of the State;
  3. Ensuring the protection of human rights;
  4. Defending public assets;
  5. Offering legal counsel to governmental bodies;
  6. Seeking guidance on European Union law from relevant institutions, and contributing to arbitration processes involving the EU and country’s State.
  7. Providing counsel in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing agreements and conventions involving the State;
  8. Supervising regulations and administrative actions.

How do they differ from a prosecutor?

The main distinction between a prosecutor and a State attorney lies in their roles: the prosecutor advocates for societal interests and upholds the law, whereas the State attorney represents the State and its officials.

How much does a State attorney earn?

They rank among the highest-paid civil servants, for example in Spain they have an initial salary of approximately €50,000 per year* upon joining the corps (equivalent to around €3,500 gross per month across 14 payments). However, this serves as merely a starting point, as with additional allowances, special retributions, and accrued experience, their annual salary can soar to €100,000.

Nevertheless, a significant number of State attorneys opt to transition to the private sector, attracted by the considerable demand and the prospect of even higher salaries. Certain private law firms entice them with offers exceeding €500,000, alongside additional incentives. Alternatively, some embark on political careers or managerial roles within companies and multinational corporations, commanding lucrative salaries reaching into the millions.

What are the steps to become a State attorney?

To become a State attorney, you need to successfully complete competitive examinations. Eligibility criteria include:

  • Being a graduate in Law;
  • Holding; the country’s nationality.
  • Being of legal age but not at retirement age;
  • Not being incapacitated or disqualified from practicing law or holding public office.

1. Necessary studies

To access the competitive examinations, a bachelor of Law is required.

It is not necessary to pursue a University Master of Law or pass the Legal Profession Access Examination, which is essential for practicing as a lawyer in the country. Hence, upon completing your bachelor’s degree, you can direct your focus towards preparing for the competitive examinations.

2. State Attorney’s Office Competitive Examinations

The competitive examinations comprise five eliminatory exercises:

  • Exercises 1 and 2: Oral presentation
    These exercises cover various legal areas such as civil, mortgage, procedural, commercial, labor, administrative, constitutional, international, European Community, criminal, and public finance law. Presentations have a maximum duration of 65 minutes each.
  • Exercise 3: Language proficiency
    It comprises two language tests: the first is mandatory, allowing you to choose between English or French; the second is voluntary and non-eliminatory, enabling you to select any EU foreign language (different from the first test).
  • Exercises 4 and 5: Written practical tasks
    In the final stages of the competitive examination, practical tests are conducted, involving the preparation of written documents relevant to the duties of a State attorney. During these tests, candidates can refer to legal and jurisprudential texts of their choice.

A person studying for the State attorney’s bar exam, in their home office

How to prepare for the competitive examinations and how we help you at Esade: Support service for candidates

Many students inquire about the number of topics covered in the State attorney competitive exam. Truthfully, it encompasses a vast array of subjects, totaling approximately 465. Hence, effective time management is crucial for success. At Esade, we offer support to help you to prepare the syllabus: Esade Law School provides a dedicated service for candidates, staffed by experts who will assist you in navigating the syllabus, ensuring you approach the exams thoroughly prepared.

Our students achieve entry into Public Administration at an unprecedented pace: while the general average spans 5 to 8 years, Esade students typically accomplish this milestone in just 2 to 3 years.

On the flip side, the curricula of both the Bachelor of Law and Master of Law and Procuration at Esade encompass supplementary training aimed at bolstering your readiness for competitive examinations:

  • Language proficiency training;
  • Specialization in various legal domains;
  • Hands-on practical training focused on case studies and litigation, which hones skills in public speaking and brief presentations;
  • Opportunities for professional experience through internships;
  • International perspective alongside a comprehensive understanding of EU law.

Keep in mind that obtaining a Master of Law is not a prerequisite for becoming a State attorney. However, it is worth considering as it provides additional training beneficial for competitive examinations and may prove advantageous in your future career endeavors. Further details about our Master of Law can be found at the conclusion of this article.

*Data from 2023 Infobae.com

Excited about the challenge? Feel free to reach out with any questions or inquiries.
Additionally, for further details, you can explore this video from the Ministry of Justice.