A Canon Lawyer and Advocate of the Roman Rota is an expert in Canon Law, who provides legal advice to persons and institutions, performs mediation tasks and defends their rights at all hierarchical levels of the Church, including before the Pope’s Tribunal of Appeal, the Roman Rota.

To become a Canon Lawyer and Advocate of the Roman Rota, a rigorous formative process of at least eleven years is required. This includes studies in Philosophy and Theology (two to six years), a licentiate (three years) and a doctorate (three years) in Canon Law, as well as the ability to read and write in Latin, proficiency in modern languages, and obtaining the title of Rotal Lawyer (three years). In addition, it is recommended to have formation in Civil Law. Upon completion of this process, one may register with the Bar Association of the Roman Rota.