The Bahrain Bar Association (BBA) has officially reaffirmed its stance that the practice of law and courtroom representation should remain exclusive to Bahraini citizens. This position comes as the Shura Council prepares to vote on a comprehensive new Legal Profession Law designed to modernize the Kingdom’s judicial framework. The Association specifically praised the removal of a clause that would have allowed foreign legal consultancy firms to plead before courts and arbitration bodies, arguing that courtroom advocacy is a right reserved strictly for licensed individual Bahraini practitioners. The BBA maintains that keeping the profession local is essential for upholding the dignity and standards of the law. By ensuring that only licensed Bahraini lawyers can represent clients, the Association believes it can better verify the professional eligibility and ethical standing of those in the courtroom. During recent meetings with the Shura Council’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, the BBA emphasized that while the law should be modern, it must also protect the “inherent rights” of local lawyers to manage the Kingdom’s judicial proceedings.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs has highlighted that the new legislation is a major step toward achieving Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. The draft law, which consists of 68 articles, aims to create a more sophisticated and regulated environment for legal services. By raising the bar for training and professional conduct, the government hopes to enhance the quality of legal services, which in turn will protect rights and freedoms while making Bahrain a more attractive destination for international investment.
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