Doha: The Ministry of Justice has announced significant amendments to Law No. (19) of 2025, which reforms certain provisions of the Legal Profession Law originally promulgated by Law No. (23) of 2006. These changes are considered a substantial advancement in enhancing the legal profession’s role in protecting rights and preserving freedoms.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry explained that these amendments are designed to align with current developments in the legal field and reflect the state’s commitment to supporting the private sector. This commitment is achieved by creating an attractive environment for practicing freelance professions, consistent with the Third National Development Strategy and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
One of the key changes involves the reorganization of state attorneys’ powers at the Ministry of Justice. This includes representing government entities before judicial authorities, contributing to unifying government legal efforts, and enhancing the efficiency of legal representation. Additionally, the amended law allows the State Cases Department, with approval from the Minister or an authorized representative, to contract with Qatari lawyers or seek external expertise in international cases, ensuring specialized knowledge is utilized for the state’s public interest.
On an institutional level, the law has restructured the Attorneys’ Admission Committee. It is now chaired by the Minister of Justice and includes two judges from the Court of Appeal, a public prosecutor, three lawyers, and two representatives from the Ministry. This new composition reflects a balanced partnership between judicial and executive authorities, ensuring transparency in lawyer admissions.
The amendments also expand the scope of permissible business activities for lawyers. They are now allowed to register in the commercial registry and own shares or stakes in joint-stock companies, provided they do not manage these companies or engage in commercial activities directly. This change aims to balance investment opportunities for lawyers while maintaining the profession’s independence and integrity.
In terms of advertising, the new law permits lawyers to promote their services through traditional and electronic means under regulations set by the Attorneys’ Admission Committee. Disciplinary actions will be enforced for those who violate the law or breach professional ethics and traditions.
For attorney fees, the new regulations allow for direct agreements between lawyers and clients, with the possibility of fees not exceeding 25 percent of any amount awarded to the client in a case.
The law also established a judicial assistance committee within the Supreme Judicial Council to appoint lawyers for litigants unable to afford legal fees, reinforcing the principle of equal opportunity before the law and ensuring the right to defense.
The Ministry concluded by emphasizing that these reforms aim to strengthen the legal profession’s role in achieving timely justice and consolidating the rule of law. This aligns with the state’s aspirations for comprehensive and sustainable development, creating an attractive environment for investment and self-employment professions.