Grenoble Law SchoolLaw at the top

The Master's degree in Notarial Law is part of a regulated program that leads to the profession of notary. Students who have obtained an M2 degree are automatically eligible to pursue higher education in notarial studies. These studies last 24 months and are organized into three training periods (see Appendix I of the decree of July 5, 2023, relating to the higher education diploma in notarial studies), during which the student is a trainee notary. At the end of this training, the student obtains the Higher Education Diploma in Notarial Studies (DESN).

The Master's degree in Notarial Law aims to strengthen students' fundamental knowledge while introducing them to notarial techniques and practices. The goal is to provide students with a solid and comprehensive foundation in all areas related to notarial practice, enabling them to continue their studies during future training periods to obtain the DESN (Diplôme d'études supérieures en notarial). Almost all students who choose the Master's in Notarial Law aim to practice as notaries.

Obtaining the DESN allows students to become assistant notaries and, for those who wish to do so, to subsequently apply for appointment as a notary.
 

Additional activities

Each class of the Master's program in Notarial Law in Grenoble is committed to organizing one or more enjoyable events that enliven the year, bring the class together, contribute to knowledge of notarial culture, and develop various skills, both legal and organizational. The association of students in the Master's program in Notarial Law, NOTA BENE, provides a framework conducive to the organization of such events, which are most often supported by the Faculty of Law.

Thus, successive cohorts of students have participated in trips abroad (notably to Belgium), organized study days (on domestic law and comparative and international law) at the Grenoble Faculty of Law, participated in the "Journée des Masters " (student symposium) organized by CERFAP at the University of Bordeaux, attended the Notaries' Congress, and organized events in association with other Masters in Notarial Law programs in the region (Lyon, Chambéry, Grenoble).

In addition, every year, at the initiative of the students, a trip to Paris is planned to visit the High Council of Notaries, the Court of Cassation, the Chamber of Deputies, etc.

Testimonial

"Having discovered an interest in civil law during my bachelor's degree in law, but with no clear idea of which profession to pursue, I naturally gravitated towards the Master's degree in Notarial Law, which seemed to be the best fit for me based on the course brochure. These two years allowed me to focus my interest on the profession of notary, which is why I will be joining the DSN at the end of 2023.

This training program was extremely enriching, offering theoretical skills for each subject covered thanks to the contributions of academics, and an introduction to practical applications thanks to the contributions of notaries. In my opinion, the real added value of this training program lies in its teaching team, who are very committed to the program and passionate about passing on their knowledge. As a result, the 2021/2023 class, to which I belonged, had the opportunity to make numerous visits to partners in the profession (CRIDON Lyon, Conseil Supérieur du Notariat, meeting with genealogists, visit to the Court of Cassation, and discussions with judicial officers) and had the privilege of attending the 118th Notaries Congress.

Léon VANHOUTEN, trainee notary