Anyone applying for membership in the Bar Association must have completed a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.), entitling him to hold a judicial office, and he must be known to be a person of integrity. Furthermore, he must have several years experience in the legal profession and other judicial duties. He must also pass a special examination covering the basic elements of the legal profession and professional ethics. An advocate must be independent and autonomous in relation to the government and all other quarters with the exception of his client. There are also other qualifications.

Only members of the bar association are entitled to use the professional titles "asianajaja" or "advokat".

Responsibilities of an Advocate and supervision of his practice

In terms of penal or indemnity liability, the responsibility of an advocate does not differ in principal from the responsibility of other citizens. Every advocate must, however, take out a liability insurance covering damages emanating from anything but premeditation or gross negligence. The Bar Association has established a compensation fund, which can cover damages emanating from an advocate's criminal conduct.

An advocate has, furthermore, a professional responsibility, in that the Board of the Bar Association must control that advocates fulfil their duties according to professional ethics. This supervision and responsibility materialize through disciplinary actions. Such procedure starts most often with a written complaint. The Chancellor of Justice is informed of the decisions taken by the Bar Association, and he can file appeals regarding these decisions with the Appellate Court of Helsinki.