Gulf Today, 12 March 2025: The UAE Cabinet has recently approved new executive regulations aimed at enhancing the legal profession and legal consultation sector within the country.

These regulations are designed to bolster the judicial system, improve the nation’s rule of law indicators, and ensure effective justice through partnership and integration.

Key aspects of the regulations include the criteria and procedures for lawyers transitioning from practicing before lower courts to the Federal Supreme Court.

They also outline the requirements for trainee lawyers, the responsibilities of supervising lawyers, and the licensing process for non-national lawyers practicing in the UAE.

Additionally, the regulations cover the registration and re-registration of legal researchers and advisors, as well as their powers and responsibilities.

The regulations further detail the establishment and management of law and legal consultation firms, including licensing, suspension, and liquidation processes.

They also address the equivalency of university qualifications for legal professionals.

Lawyers’ rights and duties, their relationship with clients, and fee structures are clearly defined.

The regulations also specify conditions under which lawyers may engage in commercial activities.

Confidentiality obligations for legal researchers, advisors, and representatives are emphasised, with exceptions only in cases of preventing crimes or when required by law.

The Cabinet has also approved a regulatory framework for professional law and legal consultancy firms, aiming to enhance the legal environment and regulate the practice of legal professions according to best practices.

This framework allows Emirati lawyers and legal consultants to establish professional companies, either individually or in partnership with international firms, provided certain conditions are met.

Permitted legal forms for professional companies include partnerships, limited liability companies, and one-person limited liability companies.

All partners must be licensed professionals, ensuring compliance to Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2022 and its executive regulations.

To obtain a professional company licence, applicants must be registered Emirati lawyers or legal advisors, have certified articles of association, and secure professional insurance to cover liability for errors, thereby protecting clients’ rights and fostering trust in the legal services offered.

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