What Licensing Requirements Are To Be Fulfilled By Dubai Lawyers?
Strict orders:
The government of Dubai since 2011 has strictly ordered all the advocates to register themselves to provide legal lawful services. The standards and requirements are a bit strict which the advocate has to fulfill to facilitate his/her license to be provided by the Government.
Dual court system:
System of dual courts is in operation in the United Arab Emirates which are civil courts and Sharia courts. Different aspects of law are catered by these courts. All the Emirates have a separate federal court. Primary focuses of the advocates here are the fields of contracts, disputes, commercial properties, construction, finance, energy, fraud and dispute resolution.
Ministry enrollment:
A solicitor here is normally classified as an advocate or a legal consultant. According to the Federal Law on the Regulation of the Profession which states that an advocate is not allowed to practice until and unless they have enrolled themselves on practicing advocates by the ministry of justice.
Licensing requirements:
All Dubai lawyers who want to practice in other Emirates must be licensed by Emiri Diwan. This requirement is fulfilled only when the advocate is UAE national and he/she is minimum 20 years old or above. More importantly the candidate must have a good reputation and character must not be involved in any disciplinary or criminal case and also must not have breached honor or trust of anyone.
Education:
The educational requirement for the candidate includes that he/she mist have law degree in law, Islamic law or must have a degree from an accredited university of any other equivalent qualification. Another important requirement is that the applicant must have completed the full training period.
New regulation:
In 2011 a new regulation began according to which the advocates must be registered with the Department of Legal Affairs. This step is important for them as it enables them to provide legal assistance outside the court as well.
For law firms:
This governing body also licenses law firms in case they fulfill all the formalities of Department of Economic Development. For a law firm based in the DIFC it must acquire a commercial license to be registered as an ancillary service provider by the DIFC.
Permission for appearance:
Advocates from other countries are permitted to practice law but only those Dubai lawyers can appear in the courts who are UAE nationals. Only registers advocates are permitted to carry proceedings before the Federal Supreme Court.