The bâtonnier occupies a central position in the organization of the legal profession in France. This emblematic figure of professional orders embodies the authority and representation of the bar. In this article, you will discover the many facets of this function, which is essential to the regulation and development of the legal profession.

What is the bâtonnier?

The bâtonnier is the elected representative of a local bar association, responsible for directing and administering the bar association within his or her jurisdiction. This function, which has its origins in the baton of command carried by guild leaders under the Ancien Régime, symbolizes authority and responsibility within the legal profession. Today, France has 164 bar associations in metropolitan and overseas France, each with its own president elected by his or her peers for a fixed term.

Unlike the Conseil National des Barreaux, which coordinates the activities of the various bar associations at national level, the bâtonnier carries out his duties at local level. He represents all the lawyers on the roll of his bar and defends their collective interests, whether in a large bar with over 2,000 lawyers or in a smaller structure in rural areas.

The main tasks of the President of the Bar

The President of the Bar assumes multiple responsibilities in three main areas: administration, representation and discipline. These concrete missions illustrate the extent of his role in the day-to-day management of the bar.

Administration of the bar: It manages entries on the roll, verifying the conditions for access to the profession, in particular completion of the minimum 18-month legal internship and the CAPA (certificat d’aptitude à la profession d’avocat). He supervises the continuing education of lawyers, ensuring that the 20-hour annual training requirement is met. This administrative mission also includes budget management, organization of initial training courses, and coordination with local judicial institutions for the allocation of ex officio cases.

Representing the profession: The President of the Bar officially represents lawyers before the courts, public authorities and the media. He defends the interests of the profession during negotiations on legal aid, participates in commissions d’office for the appointment of lawyers in criminal proceedings, and takes part in debates on the development of law and justice. It may also be called upon to take a public stance on issues affecting the independence of the bar or the rights of the defense.

Mediation and conciliation: The mediator helps resolve conflicts between lawyers or between lawyers and clients, particularly in the event of disputed fees or minor breaches of professional ethics. This mediation mission extends to professional disputes, helping to preserve the image and cohesion of the profession by avoiding escalation into formal disciplinary proceedings.

The election and term of office of the President of the Bar

The election of the President of the Bar follows a strict democratic process, governed by precise eligibility requirements. Candidates must have been continuously registered on the bar roll for at least eight years, without interruption, and be at least 35 years of age. Voting takes place by secret ballot among all lawyers registered on the roll, after a campaign period during which candidates present their program and orientations for the bar.

The term of office of the President of the Bar is generally two years, not immediately renewable. This ensures continuity of action, while encouraging the renewal of management teams. Some Bars may adapt this duration to their particular statutes. The transition between the outgoing President and the newly elected President is governed by an established protocol, guaranteeing continuity in current matters and the transfer of responsibilities.

During his or her term of office, the President of the Bar is assisted by a Bar Council made up of lawyers elected according to the same democratic procedures. This collegial team assists the President in making strategic decisions, and ensures a broad representation of the Bar’s different sensibilities and specializations. The Conseil de l’Ordre plays an active role in the governance of the bar, and can be consulted on all important issues.

Disciplinary powers of the President of the Bar

The President of the Bar holds important disciplinary prerogatives to maintain order and respect for professional ethics. He can impose sanctions ranging from a warning to striking off the roll, depending on the seriousness of the breaches observed.

These powers are exercised within the framework of an adversarial procedure that guarantees the rights of the defense. The President of the Bar may also delegate some of his disciplinary powers to the Bar Council, while retaining the right to review decisions taken.

The Bâtonnier’s disciplinary function helps maintain public confidence in the legal profession. It ensures compliance with ethical rules and preserves the honor of the bar.

The Bâtonnier and the modernization of law firms

Faced with the challenges of the digital transformation of law firms, the bâtonnier plays a crucial role in guiding the profession towards the dematerialization of procedures. Since 2019, the obligation to communicate electronically with the courts has overturned traditional practices, requiring lawyers to adapt quickly to new digital tools.

This support mission takes the form of raising awareness of the challenges of dematerialization, and organizing training courses on the legal software that has become indispensable. The President of the Bar also ensures that law firms are equipped with time and billing management tools adapted to new professional requirements and emerging practice methods such as telecommuting and videoconferencing.

It also organizes mandatory training courses on new professional practices, notably in cybersecurity and customer data protection. This proactive approach meets the growing challenges of securing confidential information, and helps maintain the confidence of those subject to the law in a constantly evolving digital environment.

A key player in the evolution of the profession

The President of the Bar embodies the moral and administrative authority of the Bar. His role is constantly evolving to adapt to changes in society and the new needs of the profession. Between tradition and modernity, he guides lawyers into the future while preserving the fundamental values of their profession.

This institution remains indispensable to the organization and influence of the legal profession. It guarantees the independence, quality and ethics that characterize the practice of law in France.

The President of the Bar and access to the law

In addition to his representative and disciplinary functions, the President of the Bar plays a decisive role in democratizing access to the law. This fundamental mission is in line with the public service values attached to the legal profession.

Organization of legal aid: The President of the Bar oversees the local implementation of legal aid, an essential mechanism enabling people on modest incomes to gain access to justice. He coordinates the distribution of cases among the bar’s lawyers and ensures the quality of services provided.

The management of ex officio commissions is also a major responsibility of the President of the Bar. When a court requires the appointment of a lawyer to assist a person in need, it is up to the President of the Bar to designate the appropriate professional, taking into account the specific skills and workload of each individual.

The Bâtonnier works closely with the Maisons de Justice et du Droit (MJD) to provide free legal advice. These local structures, particularly in priority neighborhoods, enable citizens to obtain legal information and consultations with lawyers. The President of the Bar draws up the duty schedules and ensures that lawyers are regularly present at these drop-in centers.

As part of public policy on access to the law, the Bâtonnier usually sits on the Conseils Départementaux d’Accès au Droit (CDAD). This participation enables him to influence local policies on access to justice, and to defend the interests of the profession while serving the general interest.

It can also initiate innovative actions such as :

• Free legal consultations in public places
• Educational activities in schools
• Partnerships with associations helping the underprivileged
• Legal information hotlines

This social dimension of the bâtonnier’s role illustrates the legal profession’s commitment to reducing inequalities in access to justice. By ensuring that all citizens can assert their rights, whatever their economic situation, the President of the Bar actively contributes to the vitality of the rule of law and social cohesion.