Qatar Issues New Rules On Lawyer Registration And Digital Practice

Qatar has introduced a new set of regulations governing the legal profession, covering lawyer registration examinations, the licensing of non-Qatari lawyers to represent Qatari law firms and the use of websites and social media by legal practitioners.

 

The measures, issued by the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Lawyers’ Admission Committee, HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, form part of efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for the profession and raise standards of legal practice.

 

The decisions were published in the latest issue of the Official Gazette and will take effect 30 days after publication.

 

New Rules For Lawyer Examinations

 

Under Decision No. 116 of 2026, new rules have been established for examinations required for registration in the practising lawyers’ register.

 

The examinations will be held every three months at the Ministry of Justice’s Centre for Legal and Judicial Studies. The Lawyers’ Admission Committee, working with the centre, will oversee the preparation of the examination system, organise and conduct the tests, assess candidates and announce the results.

 

Candidates must achieve at least 50% to pass. Examination results will remain valid for one year from the date they are announced.

 

The decision also sets out procedures for candidates who fail the examination, including the opportunity to retake the test, measures applicable following a second unsuccessful attempt and the period within which a fresh registration application may be submitted.

 

Licensing Of Non-Qatari Lawyers

 

Decision No. 117 of 2026 establishes requirements for licensing non-Qatari lawyers to appear on behalf of Qatari law firms before the authorities covered by the Law of Advocacy.

 

Applicants must have a law degree from a recognised university and meet the prescribed professional experience requirements. They must also demonstrate good conduct and reputation and must not have a final conviction for a felony or an offence involving dishonesty or breach of trust.

 

Applicants will be required to undergo a personal interview and pass examinations prescribed by the Lawyers’ Admission Committee.

 

The decision also establishes procedures for submitting and assessing licence applications, appealing rejected applications and taking the professional oath before the committee or an authorised representative.

 

It sets a maximum number of licensed non-Qatari lawyers who may appear on behalf of a law firm, with the permitted number determined by the registration category of the Qatari lawyer.

 

A separate register for non-Qatari lawyers will also be established within the Department of Legal Affairs. Known as the Register of Non-Qatari Lawyers, it will record details of lawyers licensed to represent Qatari law firms, together with their licences and relevant decisions issued in relation to them.

 

Tighter Rules For Digital Practice

 

Decision No. 118 of 2026 introduces rules governing lawyers’ use of websites and social media accounts in connection with their legal practices.

 

Websites and accounts must carry names linked to the lawyer or law firm operating them, while their content must be confined to legal activities and services.

 

Lawyers will be responsible for ensuring that information and legal services published through their digital platforms are accurate and reliable. They must also comply with professional ethics and cybersecurity requirements prescribed by the relevant authorities.

 

The rules place particular emphasis on confidentiality and data protection. Lawyers must safeguard confidential information and personal data and may not publish material that could affect the course of legal proceedings or compromise their confidentiality.

 

Digital platforms must also not contain promotional content that could undermine the dignity of the legal profession or mislead the public.

 

The regulations prohibit lawyers from using websites or social media accounts to encourage or incite people to initiate legal proceedings. They also establish requirements for lawyers’ professional appearances on digital platforms, with the stated aim of protecting the dignity, integrity and standing of the profession.

 

Broader Regulatory Framework

 

Taken together, the three decisions create a more detailed framework governing entry into the legal profession, the participation of non-Qatari lawyers and lawyers’ use of digital technology.

 

The measures are intended to clarify professional procedures, strengthen compliance with ethical standards, protect client confidentiality and personal data, and support the development of legal services and the wider justice system in Qatar.