Chancery Duty - Request for Exemption
Kanzleipflicht - Antrag auf Befreiung
Official English page German-only parts machine-translated, 2026-09-15
In principle, there is a duty to run a law firm. Under certain circumstances (in the case of particular hardship), it is possible to deviate from this by applying for exemption from the duty to run a law firm.
Book an appointment
Book an appointment (service.berlin.de)
Requirements
• Existing admission to the bar
Documents you need
• Application for exemption from chancery duty
A written application for chancery exemption must be submitted.
• Evidence to prevent hardship
Appropriate evidence must be submitted to avoid hardship pursuant to § 29(1) BRAO, e.g. evidence in the case of illness or parental leave by means of a medical certificate or notice of approval of parental leave; evidence in the case of further training abroad by submitting a copy of the confirmation letter from the relevant university.
• For a law firm abroad - law firm address
The binding indication of the law firm's address abroad is required pursuant to § 29a (2) BRAO.
Forms
• Application for exemption from chancery duty www.rak-berlin.de/download/mitglieder_pdfs_formulare/KzlPfli
Fees
none
Legal basis
• Bundesrechtsanwaltsordnung (BRAO – Federal Lawyers' Act) www.gesetze-im-internet.de/brao/BJNR005650959.html
Processing time
Approx. 1 month
Who is responsible
The Rechtsanwaltskammer Berlin (Berlin Bar Association) is responsible for applications for exemption from the obligation to maintain a law office (Kanzleipflichtbefreiung).
Responsible for you
Choose a location; the appointment itself is booked on the original page.
- Rechtsanwaltskammer Berlin
- Rechtsanwaltskammer Berlin
Original
German originalOfficial English page
Service number 329295 · same path as the original: service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/329295/