There is a growing demand for legal consultants in the UAE. UAE is an economic hub in the Middle East that attracts massive business, economic, and commercial activities from across the globe. With rapid development and a high influx of foreign investment, the demand for legal professional services also increases.
The seasoned Dubai lawyers mainly handle the court matters. They actively participate in lawsuits, litigation, and other court-related procedures. On the contrary, legal consultants are not directly involved with the court procedures. Dubai has top team of lawyers and legal consultants.
Primarily, they offer legal advice to individuals and businesses. Additionally, they draft the contracts and also work on regulatory compliance. They are licensed individuals who obtain the licensing from the concerned authorities of the UAE. Dubai lawyers and legal consultants do offer professional and result driven legal advice. They are best while offering the legal services and support.
However, the license does not permit them to provide legal representation to the clients. They cannot appear before the judges and juries. Instead, their role is restricted to legal guidance on crucial matters.
A greater number of corporations and international entities rely on well-versed legal consultants in the UAE. This surge has created the need for the profession, and the UAE requires more than just legal knowledge. Dubai has top lawyers and law firms. For instance, consider Al Shaiba Advocates & Legal Consultants, operating under the brand Ask The Law.
The work of the Legal Consultants in the UAE:
They are primarily responsible for offering expert legal advice to the clients. However, they cannot represent the clients in the UAE courts.
Their role is mainly focused on drafting the legal documents and also reviewing the contracts and agreements. They offer legal advice on business structure. They ensure that regulatory compliance takes place. Dubai legal professionals always perform a great role in litigation and legal support.
Further, they offer legal opinions on crucial matters like commercial and corporate. However, they assist the clients with their disputes outside the courtroom. They may act as the negotiator, mediator, or arbitrator, offering Alternative dispute resolution ADR.
They don’t appear before the judiciary, and therefore their role differs from the role of attorneys in Dubai. They are authorized to represent the clients in Court proceedings. Legal Consultants are the expatriate legal experts, while local advocates are called as lawyers and legal consultants, altogether.
Legal Framework
To become a legal consultant in the UAE, they must understand the legal framework. They must comply with several key regulations. The UAE has taken the profession seriously, and thus, they must have a deeper understanding of the relevant laws.
The Federal Law No. 23 of 1991 mainly governs the legal profession. It also defines the responsibilities of a legal practitioner in the country.
The Cabinet Decision No. 22 of 2019 highlights the licensing requirements and also explains the restrictions for legal consultancy services.
The Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 primarily addresses dispute resolution and arbitration. It also identifies the sector and areas where legal consultants often provide guidance.
Dubai lawyers and legal consultants are even very popular while understanding the UAE Federal Laws. UAE Federal Laws understanding is not an ordinary work. One has to be very much popular and supportive. UAE laws are very flexible but comprehensive, therefore, competence is the top priority.
Step-by-Step Guidance
- Legal Qualification:
Step one is to earn a valid and legal law degree from a recognized and accredited institution or university. The UAE requires the legal consultants to possess a formal legal education. The individual must demonstrate their expertise.
Moreover, the UAE also recognizes foreign degrees, but they should meet the UAE standards. The foreign degrees or certifications must be attested.
ASK THE LAW DUBAI, has top and qualified legal experts. These legal experts always provide the result driven legal support and services.
- Professional Experience:
It is necessary to gain professional experience. However, Dubai requires legal consultants to have practical experience before applying for a license. Normally, an individual requires 2 years of experience in legal consultancy or a related legal field.
An individual may work with law firms in Dubai, the legal department of a company, or an international entity. Their work experience allows them to have an understanding of the real-world challenges.
- Meet Professional Standards:
The UAE has stressed the ethical code of conduct, including integrity and professionalism. The applicants should display good moral character with no criminal record. Furthermore, they must show they are not involved in any unethical professional practices during their service tenure. The background is also checked by the appropriate authorities in the UAE. It ensures that only trustworthy individuals provide legal services in the UAE.
- Apply for Licensing:
Once the professional and educational specifications are met, the next step is to apply for the license. The process to apply may vary from Emirate to Emirate. It includes submitting the professional and academic documents to the relevant authorities.
They must submit the applicable licensing fee to proceed with the procedure. The Dubai Legal Affairs Department (DLAD) is responsible for issuing licenses to legal Consultants in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1 Do I need a license to practice as a legal consultant in the UAE?
Yes, it is mandatory to obtain a legitimate and valid license from the concerned authority in the UAE. The Dubai Legal Affairs Department issues the license after meeting certain criteria. It lays a foundation that only authorized individuals can offer professional legal services.
2. Can a legal consultant represent clients in the UAE courts?
In the UAE, legal consultants are not permitted to represent clients in court proceedings. They are not eligible to handle court proceedings or litigation. Only the licensed Lawyers in Dubai are authorized to represent clients in court procedures.
3. Can foreign nationals become legal consultants in the UAE?
Yes, any foreign nationals who meet the licensing requirements. It includes the required qualification, relevant experience, and obtaining a license from the appropriate authorities.
