Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Justice affirmed that the amendments in Law No. (19) of 2025 reforming certain provisions of the Legal Profession Law promulgated by Law No. (23) of 2006, represent a qualitative leap in the enhancement of the legal profession and strengthening its role as a key partner in protecting rights and preserving freedoms.
In a statement Thursday, the Ministry explained that the new amendments align with the developments in the legal profession and reflects the state's commitment to supporting the private sector by creating an attractive environment for practicing freelance professions. This is consistent with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy and supports the achievement of the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Regarding the key amendments, the Ministry explained that the new law reorganizes the powers of state attorneys at the Ministry of Justice, which include representing government entities before judicial authorities in a manner that contributes to unifying government legal efforts and enhancing the efficiency of legal representation. The amended law permits the State Cases Department, following an approval from the Minister or his authorized representative, to contract with Qatari lawyers or seek external expertise in cases abroad when the nature of the case requires it, ensuring specialized expertise is available to serve the public interest of the state.
At the institutional level, the law restructured the formation of the Attorneys' Admission Committee to be chaired by the Minister of Justice and to include two judges from the Court of Appeal, a public prosecutor from the Public Prosecution, three lawyers, and two representatives from the Ministry. This composition reflects a balanced partnership between the judicial and executive authorities in regulating the profession and ensuring transparency in lawyer admissions.
The Ministry also clarified that the new law expands the scope of permissible businesses alongside the practice of law. Lawyers are now allowed to register in the commercial registry and own shares or stakes in joint-stock companies, provided they do not manage them or engage in commercial activities themselves. This step represents a balance between enabling lawyers to benefit from investment opportunities while preserving the profession's independence, integrity, and status.
Regarding advertising and publicity, the new law permits lawyers to promote their services through traditional and electronic means, under regulations set by the Attorneys' Admission Committee. Disciplinary sanctions will apply to those who violate the law or breach professional ethics and traditions.
As for determining attorney fees, they are now subject to a direct agreement between the lawyer and their client, with the possibility of agreeing on a fee not exceeding 25 percent of any amount awarded to the client in the case.
The law also approved the formation of a judicial assistance committee within the Supreme Judicial Council. This committee is responsible for appointing lawyers to represent litigants unable to afford legal fees, thus establishing the principle of equal opportunity before the law and ensuring the right to defense.
The Ministry of Justice concluded its statement by emphasizing that these amendments aim to strengthen the position of the legal profession as a pivotal partner in achieving timely justice and consolidating the rule of law, in line with the state's aspirations for comprehensive and sustainable development and providing an attractive environment for investment and the practice of self-employment professions.
