Whereas the English system distinguishes between barristers and solicitors, and other systems (like the German) between attorneys and legal advisers, there is only one type of attorney (Rechtsanwalt) in Austria.

He enjoys a monopoly in comprehensive professional (regular and profit oriented) legal representation before all courts and administrative authorities, and may render legal advice in all court or out of court, public or private matters not to forget the broad range of any kind of trust services.

Under a special federal statute regulating the profession (Rechtsanwaltsordnung), Austrian attorneys are organised in 9 regional Bar Associations (Rechtsanwaltskammer), one for each Land. They are self-governing public law corporations with obligatory membership. They register attorneys, appoint bar examiners, and supervise the ethical conduct of their members under a strict code of professional responsibility.