Parliament approves legal profession law after 45 years

Parliament approved a new law regulating the legal profession, replacing legislation in place since 1980, as a major step toward modernising the sector.

The approval came during the 26th ordinary session following a detailed review by the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, which held multiple meetings and consultations with the Ministry of Justice and the Bahrain Bar Society.

Lawmakers said the updated framework reflects developments in the legal field, expanding lawyers’ roles beyond court representation to include legal advisory and dispute prevention services.

The new law introduces a tiered system for lawyer registration based on court levels, aimed at improving standards and ensuring only qualified practitioners appear before higher courts.

MPs also discussed provisions related to non-Bahraini lawyers, with officials clarifying that their participation would remain limited and subject to strict conditions and approval. The law is expected to strengthen regulation of the profession, improve service quality, and support Bahrain’s broader efforts to develop its legal sector and position itself as a regional hub for legal and arbitration services.