UAE Approves New Rules for Lawyers, Legal Consultants Defining Licensing, Training Law
The UAE Cabinet has approved new regulations aimed at modernizing and organizing the legal profession, marking a significant shift in how the legal and consultancy sectors are structured in the country. Announced on March 12, 2025, the new rules include provisions that promote transparency, ethical standards, and accountability within the legal industry.
For the first time, the law introduces a formal framework for legal consultancy, which has previously been unregulated. This new law also establishes clear procedures for licensing foreign law firms and legal consultancy offices, encouraging global engagement while ensuring that these entities adhere to local standards.
A major element of the reform is the update to licensing requirements for lawyers. The provisions enhance the relationship between legal professionals and their clients, establishing clearer rights and responsibilities. In addition, the regulations set out the registration process for legal researchers, advisors, and representatives working in law firms, ensuring that all legal service providers are properly recognized and licensed.
Another key aspect of the new law is the requirement for lawyers to engage in continuous education. Lawyers must now complete relevant training courses or participate in scientific seminars and conferences to renew their registration. This ensures that legal professionals remain up-to-date on evolving legal trends and maintain high standards of expertise.
The regulations also simplify the process for registering trainee lawyers, offering organized training programs that prepare them for the profession. Additionally, the law outlines the structure of law firms and legal consultancy companies, which can now be set up as partnerships, limited liability companies, or sole proprietorships.
The new rules emphasize preventing conflicts of interest, prohibiting lawyers and consultants from being partners in more than one firm. They also establish guidelines for managing situations such as the suspension or death of a partner, with a requirement that all partners be licensed to practice law. These provisions represent a significant step toward fostering a more organized, ethical, and transparent legal industry in the UAE.
