• Home

New rules for Dubai lawyers

Now, non-nationals who want to practise law in Dubai should have a degree in law or Shariah, which would be scrutinised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Under the rules, the applicant should enrol himself in the lawyers’ register at the Ministry of Justice, and must have an experience of not less than 15 years. Application for enrolment in the register must be accompanied by a request from an Emirati advocate or the owner of the law firm, expressing his desire to have the expatriate’s name registered.

The lawyer’s name will be struck off from the register in the following situations, both for local and expat lawyers: If the national advocate, the owner of the office or the law firm requested the authorities concerned to strike off the particular lawyer’s name; if the Emirati or expat lawyer ceases practising the profession or does not show up at courts for six consecutive months without acceptable excuse; or if the lawyer fails to renew licence within 30 days of its expiry.

• UAE