The Law of Practice of Law (نظام المحاماة, often called the Saudi Lawyers Law) regulates the legal profession in Saudi Arabia: who may become a lawyer, who may plead before the courts, and what a lawyer owes to the client and to the court. It was issued by Royal Decree No. (M/38) dated 1422/7/28H and is supplemented by its Implementing Regulations. Knowing the basics protects you when you choose a lawyer and sign a fee agreement. Here is a plain-English guide to the main points.
Who counts as a lawyer under the law?
A lawyer is a person registered on the roll of practising lawyers after meeting the conditions of the law. As a general rule, these include:
- Saudi nationality, subject to what the law allows for non-Saudis in specific cases.
- A qualification in Sharia or law (called "regulations" in Saudi Arabia), or an equivalent.
- Practical experience in the relevant field, for the period set by the law.
- Good conduct, and no conviction for an offence involving honour or integrity.
You can check any lawyer's licence through the e-services of the Ministry of Justice and the Saudi Bar Association (الهيئة السعودية للمحامين).
Who may represent someone else in court?
| Situation | General rule |
|---|---|
| Licensed lawyer | Represents clients under a power of attorney |
| A person representing themselves | Allowed |
| A non-lawyer acting for relatives or under a power of attorney | Allowed in the cases and within the limits set by the law and its regulations |
| A company's legal representative | Allowed within the limits of that capacity |
The detailed limits and numbers are set by the Implementing Regulations, so check the current official text.
A lawyer's duties to the client
- Confidentiality: a lawyer must not disclose a client's secrets learned through the work.
- No conflict of interest: a lawyer must not act for the client's opponent in the same case or a related one.
- Integrity and diligence: a lawyer must defend the case with professional care and keep the client informed of its progress.
- Written fees: fees are set in a written agreement between lawyer and client. Read lawyer fees.
If a lawyer breaches these duties
A lawyer faces disciplinary liability for breaching the law or the rules of professional conduct, and the penalty can go as far as suspension or removal from the roll. This does not affect the client's right to claim compensation for any harm suffered. Complaints go to the authority responsible for disciplining lawyers.
How to choose a lawyer
- Check the lawyer's licence and experience in your type of case.
- Ask for a clear initial opinion before you commit. You can start with a free question at our inquiry centre.
- Read the fee agreement carefully: what it covers, what it does not, and when fees are paid.
- Agree how you will communicate and how you will be updated on the case.
Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are conducted in Arabic. If you do not read Arabic, ask for the fee agreement and key documents to be explained to you in English before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my case myself without a lawyer?
Yes, a person may represent themselves. Read filing a lawsuit on Najiz (the Ministry of Justice e-services platform). A lawyer is still valuable in complex cases or where the statutory deadlines are short.
Can I change my lawyer during the case?
Yes, a client may dismiss their lawyer, subject to what the fee agreement says about work already done.
Looking for a licensed lawyer?
The Usus Law Firm team is licensed and works in Riyadh and Tabuk on legal consultations and litigation of every kind, and advises clients in English.
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
What Usus Law Firm can help with
- Labour cases: wages, end-of-service awards, dismissal.
- Family cases: divorce, khula, custody, maintenance, with female lawyers available.
- Criminal defence and drug cases.
- Commercial disputes, company formation and contracts.
- Inheritance and estates.
Our offices: Riyadh (Al Olaya) and Tabuk (Al Muruj). We advise in English.
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