The UAE Cabinet Has Recently Approved New Regulations to Govern the Legal Profession and Legal Consultancy
These laws aim to modernize and structure the legal industry, promoting transparency, ethical practices, and accountability. For the first time, the legal consultancy profession, which was previously unregulated, now has a formal framework.
One of the key aspects of the new law is the introduction of licensing for foreign law firms and legal consultancy offices, allowing international firms to operate while ensuring adherence to local standards. The law also updates the licensing process for lawyers, enhancing the relationship between legal professionals and their clients.
Additionally, the new regulations set out clear guidelines for the registration of legal researchers, advisors, and representatives within law firms, ensuring that all involved in legal services are properly recognized and licensed. The rules also introduce amendments to the process for renewing registration in the lawyer’s register, requiring lawyers to complete relevant training or participate in seminars and conferences to stay updated on legal developments.
The rules further simplify the registration process for trainee lawyers and establish training programs to equip them for their legal careers. For law firms and legal consultancy companies, the regulations outline the procedures for their formation, whether as a partnership, limited liability company, or sole proprietorship. They also include detailed licensing procedures and guidelines on managing professional firms.
The regulations explicitly prohibit lawyers and legal consultants from being partners in multiple firms to avoid conflicts of interest. They also introduce measures for handling situations such as the suspension or death of a partner, with a requirement for all partners to be licensed to practice law.
