The legal profession system in the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most organized and disciplined legal systems in the region. It outlines the conditions for practicing law, work ethics, the relationship between lawyer and client, and the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the profession.
At Samaha Law Firm and Legal Consultancy, we adhere to all the legal and ethical standards stipulated by the system and take pride in being an essential part of this distinguished legal framework.
Who oversees the legal profession system in the UAE?
The UAE Ministry of Justice supervises the registration of lawyers and the regulation of their work at the federal level. Meanwhile, some emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have their own regulatory authorities, such as the Judicial Department or local Bar Associations.
Licensing Conditions to Practice Law
The legal profession system sets out several conditions that must be met to practice the profession, including:
- Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in law from an internationally recognized university.
- Completing a legal training period of no less than one year.
- Having a good reputation with no criminal record.
- Passing the registration exam by the Bar Association or the Ministry.
Lawyer Classification in the UAE
Lawyers are classified into different levels based on their experience. These levels include:
- Trainee Lawyer
- Lawyer registered before the Courts of First Instance
- Lawyer registered before the Courts of Appeal
- Lawyer registered before the Court of Cassation (Supreme Court)
Legal Duties of a Lawyer
According to the legal system, a lawyer is obligated to uphold a number of essential duties, the most important of which are:
- Maintaining client confidentiality
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
- Refraining from lying or diverting the court from the core of the case
- Upholding justice and respecting the authority of the judiciary
Disciplinary Violations and Penalties
The system also includes clear provisions for disciplining lawyers who violate the rules. These penalties include:
- A warning
- A fine
- Temporary suspension from practicing the profession
- Removal from the list of registered lawyers
These penalties are enforced by a specialized disciplinary committee after an investigation and a hearing of the lawyer’s statements.
The Difference Between a Lawyer and a Legal Consultant
A legal consultant provides legal opinions but is not allowed to represent clients in court unless he or she is officially registered as a lawyer. This emphasizes the importance of full compliance with the legal profession system to obtain an officially recognized license.
Can Foreigners Practice Law in the UAE?
Lawyers from other countries can work in the legal field as consultants, but they are not permitted to appear in court. Only UAE citizens who are officially registered can do so, with some exceptions in licensed entities within free zones.
How to Choose a Law Firm Committed to the System?
To choose the right law firm for you, ensure that the firm:
- Holds an official license from the judicial authorities
- Employs lawyers with a high level of expertise
- Adheres to professional ethics and regulations
