Starting a Law Firm in Dubai

In recent times, there has been a massive increase in the number of businesses being set up in the United Arab Emirates. Due to the rise in the number of companies being set up in the country, there has been a sharp spike in the population. 

This blog will provide you with information that you will need if you are looking forward to setting up a law firm in Dubai.

With the ever-changing rules and regulations in the UAE, there is a huge need and demand for law firms in the country. Dubai is now considered one of the leading places to set up a business. 

The liberal business environment, less or no taxation, protection of assets, the privacy of the company, and many other features of the country play a crucial role in attracting businessmen and entrepreneurs from all over.

Things to Be Kept in Mind Before Setting Up Law Firms in Dubai

Before setting up a law firm business setup in Dubai, specific facts should be kept in mind in the administration of the company, such as:

• The Dual Court System

There is a dual court system that comprises the local courts and the federal courts. The supreme court is situated in Abu Dhabi. 

There are three different stages to the court system, which are:

• Court of First Instance
• Court of Appeals
• Court of Cassation.

• Source of Law in the UAE

All the laws in the United Arab Emirates are primarily based upon the Islamic Sharia Law and also some parts of International Law.

• Rules of Law

As per the law of the country, every advocate, lawyer, attorney, etc., must register themselves with the Ministry of Justice. After registering with the Ministry of Justice, the person is free to practice in a federal court or any other Emirati court.

• Rules and Regulations of the country

A person who is a member lawyer of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries may obtain a license to practice law in Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates courts. In the present scenario, the practice of the law in courts is restricted only to Emirati nationals.

• Ethics of the Lawyers

Lawyers have to be extra careful about the laws and rules of a country as they are the people who are considered to have a wholesome knowledge of it. Because of this, there is a set of rules and regulations that need to be followed by Lawyers and advocates.

• The Amount Charged for the Service

The fees charged by them are a huge factor in deciding if the services of a particular lawyer are availed or not. If the people are not charged reasonably for the services of a lawyer, the size and the efficiency of the law firm won't matter.

How to Set Up Legal Firms in Dubai?

With the increasing population in the country, there is a growing need for law firms not only in Dubai but all over the UAE. If you are looking to set up a law firm, then there are four specific steps that you need to follow. 

• Location of the Business

One primary requirement which should be kept in mind while choosing a location to set up a law firm is that the selected area for setting up the law firm should be at least 40 square feet.

• Collaborate with a Local Lawyer

It is one of the first things which is required if anyone wants to open up a law firm in Dubai. The local lawyer should possess knowledge about the rules and regulations of the land and should be affiliated with a local court.

• Prepare the Documents Required for Starting Legal Companies in Dubai

The following documents are essential:

• Application form for registration and authorization 
• Photocopy of the applicant's passport (along with the visit/residency permit) and a letter of no objection from the existing sponsor if the applicant is on a resident visa 
• Photocopy of the local service agent's passport and naturalization identities
• External approval from H.H. the Ruler's Court – Legal Affairs
• Documents Required Upon Receiving the Initial Approval 
• Initial approval of receipt 
• RERA tenancy contract registration certificate 
• Electronic Appointment contract of a local service agent, which is issued by the Department of Economic Development 
• Copy of the latest Practicing Certificate or letter of good standing from the bar association or law firm at least three months prior to the date of submission.
• Photocopy passport   
• Passport size photos  
• Photocopy of Visa page (for UAE Residents) 
• Photocopy of the Legal Affairs Department Card (if you practice in Dubai) 
• Copy of a legitimate insurance policy (those outside Dubai).

Schedule of oral advocacy experience in either court, arbitration, or tribunals. The schedule should highlight the lawyer's experiences in oral advocacy and outline the practitioners' current practice and a list of (representative) cases and interlocutory motions and descriptions of the practitioners involved in each. 

• Obtain the Relevant License 

Before starting any business, it is indispensable to obtain a suitable license. This license is given out by the Ministry of Justice of the United Arab Emirates.  

The license and the other essential documentation which are received from the Ministry of Justice must be later submitted to the economics department.

When the procedure is complete, the client visits the relevant department to Provide original documents and to Embrace the oath (applicable to those seeking to represent local court cases). Now you are all set to set up your Legal consultancy firm in Dubai.

Start Your Legal Consultancy in Dubai with Us

With the increasing number of businesses as well as people in the United Arab Emirates, there is a high demand and need for law firms. If you are looking to set up a law firm in the United Arab Emirates, then do have a look at the services provided by Commitbiz. 

For more details, Contact Us. We will be happy to help you.