In a televised interview, Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al Thani, a lawyer and member of the Lawyers Admission Committee in Qatar, revealed key historical milestones in the development of the legal profession in Qatar, shedding light on the first Qatari to carry the banner of law.
Al Thani began the story in 1971, when the Law on the Establishment of Civil Courts was issued. For the first time, it included articles regulating the registration of lawyers in the country. However, due to the urgent need at that time, lawyers from outside Qatar were enlisted and included in what was called the “temporary register.”
In 1980, Law No. (20) regulating the legal profession was issued, offering a clearer and more organized framework. It established two registers: one for Qatari lawyers and another for temporary lawyers. Through this law, the name of Mr. Ali bin Nasser Al Nuaimi — may he rest in peace — was recorded as the first officially registered Qatari lawyer, holding registration number (1) in the national lawyers’ register. He thus became the pioneer who paved the way for others.
He was followed by a number of prominent figures who contributed to solidifying the foundations of the profession, including Mr. Ali Behzad, Mr. Saad Nasser — may he rest in peace — and Mr. Rashid Al Nuaimi, founder and former president of the Qatari Lawyers Association. Among them were also a group of judges who transitioned from the bench to the courtroom as defense lawyers, such as Mr. Yousef Al Zaman and Mr. Ali Al Khunji.
In 1996, Law No. (10) was introduced, giving the profession a renewed push in terms of regulation and expansion. It marked the end of the transitional phase during which the country relied on the temporary register, as the number of qualified Qatari lawyers had increased.
Today, Qatar takes pride in its elite group of distinguished male and female lawyers, among them Ms. Haifa Al Baker, one of the first Qatari women to be registered in the profession.
Thus, Qatari lawyers have recorded a journey of continuous perseverance toward gradual progress.
Law No. (13) of 1971 on the Judicial Courts System
In 1971, Qatar took its first serious steps towards establishing a modern civil judicial system with the issuance of Law No. (13) of 1971 on the Judicial Courts System. This law laid the cornerstone for organizing the judiciary and was composed of eleven chapters containing 51 articles that outlined the foundations of justice in the then-emerging state.
The law began by specifying the types of courts responsible for adjudicating disputes, dividing them into criminal and civil courts, each having a lower and higher court. It also included a labor court and a court of appeal to review appeals. Additionally, the law granted the President of the Judicial Courts the authority to form multiple chambers as needed.
In terms of jurisdiction, cases were categorized based on type and monetary value. The law stipulated that minor civil courts would handle claims not exceeding thirty thousand riyals, while major civil courts would handle cases above that amount. Criminal cases were classified into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, with each assigned to a specific court.
Inside each courtroom, a clear structure for judicial seating was mandated. The law determined the number of judges required per court, the process of issuing judgments, and the presiding judge’s authority to manage sessions and direct questions. The importance of the appellate court was also recognized, appointing the President of the Judicial Courts to head it, alongside experienced judges.
To ensure judicial independence, the law dedicated a full chapter to the conditions for appointing judges, tying them to nationality, qualifications, legal experience, and good character. It also emphasized the independence of judges and prohibited their transfer or dismissal without justified cause.
Chapter Nine of the 1971 law contained provisions specifying who could represent litigants in court. Article (45) stipulated that only licensed lawyers had the right to appear on behalf of clients before courts, although the court could, as an exception, authorize others it deemed more capable to represent litigants.
Article (46) paved the way for a separate piece of legislation to regulate the legal profession, affirming that it is the law which defines the requirements for practicing the profession, as well as lawyers’ rights, responsibilities, and disciplinary procedures.
Law No. (20) of 1980 Regulating the Legal Profession
In 1980, the legal profession in Qatar experienced a major turning point with the issuance of Law No. (20) of 1980, which served as the first comprehensive legislative framework regulating this vital profession in the country.
This law, consisting of forty-eight articles divided into four chapters, was more than just a legal text—it was a declaration that the practice of law had entered a new era of professionalism, protected and clearly defined by law like never before.
In its first chapter, the law laid down the foundations for registering lawyers and specified who was eligible to join the profession. It set detailed requirements concerning nationality, academic qualifications, years of training and experience, and firmly established that no one could represent others in court unless officially registered in the official lawyers’ roll.
The second chapter addressed the ethical principles and duties of lawyers. It emphasized that legal practice is not merely courtroom advocacy but a commitment to honor, confidentiality, and respect for the law, while avoiding any behavior that could harm the reputation of the profession or undermine public trust.
Lawyers’ fees were the focus of the third chapter, which detailed how they should be calculated and collected, including the lawyer’s right to retain documents until fees were paid. It also granted lawyers a lien over funds resulting from the case, and provided a legal route for resolving disputes over fees if no prior agreement existed.
The fourth and final chapter introduced strict disciplinary measures for lawyers who breached their duties. From warnings to permanent disbarment, the law left no room for violations to go unpunished. It established clear mechanisms for investigation, discipline, rights of defense, and appeal—ensuring a high level of professionalism and rigorous accountability.
Law No. (10) of 1996 Promulgating the Legal Profession Law
As a pivotal step in the regulation of the legal profession, Qatar issued Law No. (10) of 1996 to promulgate a new Legal Profession Law, marking a significant milestone in the country’s legislative journey.
This law was not merely a replacement for the 1980 legislation; it introduced a more advanced vision for the profession, aiming to establish a clear and more professional identity for lawyers in Qatar. Emerging during a foundational period, its focus was on setting the general framework for legal practice, particularly regarding registration, duties, and disciplinary measures.
Law No. (10) of 1996 went further than its predecessor by tightening organizational details. It started by formally closing the “temporary registry” that had been in use since the 1980s, signaling the end of a transitional phase. It required all previously registered lawyers to reapply under the new criteria, and for the first time introduced a “lawyers under training” system—establishing a mandatory pathway into the profession based on real practical experience.
The law also redefined the legal profession explicitly as a free and independent one, contributing to the realization of justice. It clearly outlined what constitutes legal work, from courtroom representation to contract drafting and legal consultations.
Understanding the need for internal oversight in the legal environment, the law established the Committee for the Admission of Lawyers, a multidisciplinary body chaired by the Minister of Justice. This committee was tasked with overseeing lawyer registrations, approving legal practice rosters, and handling appeals. The law also created, for the first time, a register for law firms, thus providing a legal structure for organizing these entities.
The law also refined the relationship between lawyer and client, specifying strict duties such as maintaining professional confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and refraining from advertising or self-promotion. Even the lawyer’s official courtroom attire was subject to detailed standards determined by the committee.
Perhaps the most striking difference between the 1980 and 1996 laws lies in the level of professionalism and discipline introduced. The 1996 law transformed the legal framework from a simple professional guideline into a comprehensive career system, covering a lawyer’s journey from training to retirement or disbarment, and clearly defining their relationship with the judiciary, society, and public institutions.
Law No. (23) of 2006 Promulgating the Legal Profession Law
As Qatar entered the new millennium, it became evident that the legal framework laid down by the 1996 law had paved the way for the more progressive Law No. (23) of 2006. This new legislation built upon the foundations of its predecessor, introducing more modern concepts in response to the evolving Qatari legal landscape.
The law redefined the criteria for registration in the lawyers’ rosters. A legal qualification alone was no longer sufficient—written exams and personal interviews were introduced to assess competence. Lawyers were categorized based on the level of courts they were eligible to practice before, dividing them into registries for the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Court of Cassation. This structured categorization replaced the open-entry system of the 1996 law, promoting a well-organized professional progression.
A major transformation was also introduced in the training system. It became mandatory for trainee lawyers to combine practical experience in a law office with theoretical study at the Legal and Judicial Studies Center. To support trainees, the law provided for monthly stipends under specific guidelines, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving the quality of legal training.
On the level of law firms, the law allowed—for the first time—the licensing of international law offices with specialized expertise. This move enabled such firms to practice within Qatar under strict conditions, fostering international legal exchange and enriching the local legal market with diverse experiences.
The Admission Committee for Lawyers was restructured to include judges, prosecutors, practicing lawyers, and academics. It was given broad authority over registration, classification, and professional oversight. At the same time, the disciplinary system was reorganized to ensure fairness and transparency, with provisions for clearing disciplinary records after set periods of good conduct.
Under this law, lawyers gained broader legal protections. Their rights during professional duties were more clearly defined, and assaults against them while performing their roles were criminalized. Their offices were protected from search or seizure unless under strict legal procedures—measures that strengthened their independence and bolstered their confidence in performing their judicial role.
Qatari Lawyers Association
The Qatari Lawyers Association was established as a professional body under the provisions of Law No. (12) of 2004 concerning private associations and institutions. Its statute defines its core objectives as following up on lawyers’ affairs, improving the professional standard, and organizing social and cultural activities.
The Association has created an institutional umbrella that brings lawyers together under one unified entity, enhancing their status and giving their work a formal and organized identity, at a time when the profession lacked a unified professional body to represent it.
It has played a pivotal role in affirming the lawyer’s identity as a genuine partner in achieving justice—not just a litigant or stakeholder—becoming a platform to voice lawyers’ concerns and daily challenges, and a vital mediator between them and government and legislative bodies. This positively impacted their work environment and reinforced their professional independence.
The Association has also contributed to cultivating a new legal culture within the legal community itself by organizing seminars, conferences, and events, and encouraging research and studies addressing professional issues and envisioning its future.
Its contributions extended beyond the professional domain to include social and cultural services for its members, thereby strengthening their sense of belonging and cooperation.
Ethically, the Association has served as a reference point in defining professional conduct, setting strict guidelines to prevent involvement in financial speculations, political activities, or anything that could tarnish the dignity of the profession.
Perhaps its most significant impact has been in empowering young lawyers, particularly those in training, by providing a supportive environment for their professional development, helping produce a more qualified and disciplined legal generation.
With all these dimensions, the Qatari Lawyers Association has evolved into more than just a professional group—it has become an influential and active entity shaping the present and future of the legal profession in Qatar.
The legal profession in Qatar can be described as a noble mission that transcends the traditional role of a job. It embodies a moral and social commitment, aiming to achieve justice, uphold rights, and protect freedoms. Lawyering is not separate from the justice system—it is an integral part of it and an active partner alongside the judiciary, not an opponent or adversary.
Legal practice in Qatar is not limited to courtroom representation; it also includes offering legal consultations, contributing to legislation drafting, and promoting legal awareness in society. This dynamic and evolving nature has bestowed great prestige and a high status upon the profession, reflecting its vital importance in the country’s legal and social framework.
Today, the legal profession in Qatar stands as the conscience of justice and the voice of law—driven by noble values rooted in awareness, intellect, and responsibility.
