In this Law, the term law practice shall mean representing third parties before courts of law, the Board of Grievances, and other committees which may be set up pursuant to laws, orders, and decisions to consider cases falling within their respective jurisdictions. It shall also mean rendering consultancy services based on the principles of Sharia and the rule of law. Whoever practices this profession shall be called a lawyer. Any person shall be entitled to legally represent himself.

The Ministry of Justice shall prepare a general list of the names of practicing lawyers and another list of non-practicing lawyers, as of the time of registration. The two lists shall include the particulars specified by the implementing regulations of this Code. The Ministry of Justice shall transfer the names of lawyers who cease to practice the profession for a period exceeding one year from the list of practicing lawyers to the list of non-practicing lawyers subject to the restrictions stated in the implementing regulations of this Code.

• It is a requirement for anyone practicing the profession of law to have their name registered in the list of practicing attorneys, and the following conditions must be met for anyone to have their name registered in this list:

• A- They must be of Saudi nationality, and a non-Saudi may practice the profession of law in accordance with the agreements between the Kingdom and other countries.

• B- They must hold a bachelor's degree in Islamic Sharia, or a bachelor's degree in Law from one of the universities in the Kingdom, or an equivalent of either, or hold a diploma from the Institute of Public Administration in the field of law with a study duration of no less than two years after obtaining the university degree.

• C- They must have at least two years of experience in the nature of the work. This duration is waived for those holding a doctorate in the field of specialization. This duration is reduced as follows:

  • 1- One year for those holding a master's degree in Islamic Sharia, or in Law, or an equivalent of either, and for those holding a diploma from the Institute of Public Administration in the field of law if the duration of their accredited study is two years.

  • 2- Six months for those holding a diploma from the Institute of Public Administration in the field of law if the duration of their accredited study is three years.

  • 3- Each year of training in the accredited programs - as determined by the Minister of Justice in coordination with the Saudi Bar Association and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission - is considered equivalent to one year of the required experience if the trainee has completed the program requirements.

• D- They must have a good reputation and conduct and not be under guardianship.

• E- They must not have been convicted of a limit or a penalty for a crime that undermines honor or trust, unless at least five years have passed since the execution of the judgment.

• F- They must be residing in the Kingdom.

• The Minister of Justice shall provide a declaration form to be signed by the applicant, which includes their acknowledgment of meeting the conditions stated in paragraphs (D, E, F) of this article.

The provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of Article 3 shall not apply to applicants who have at least three years of experience as judges in the Kingdom.

• The application for registration shall be submitted to the Lawyers Registration and Admission Committee using the form specified in the implementing regulations of this Code. The Committee shall be formed as follows:

  • 1- A representative from the Ministry of Justice to be appointed by the Minister of Justice, chairman.

  • 2- A representative from the Board of Grievances whose rank shall not be lower than the rank of a Chief of a Court of class A, to be appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Grievances, member.

  • 3- A lawyer who has been practicing law for a minimum of five years, to be appointed by the Minister of Justice, member.

• The competent authority shall name a substitute in case of the absence of a member of this committee. The term of membership of this committee shall be three years renewable for another term.

• The Committee provided for in Article 5 shall meet with all members present, and its decisions shall be adopted by majority vote. The Committee shall ensure that the provisions stated herein have been met, and shall decide on any application, if complete, within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of filing. In case of rejection of any application, the reasons for such rejection must be stated if so requested. An aggrieved applicant may file an appeal with the Board of Grievances within 60 days from the date on which he is notified of the decision adopted by the Committee.

• Following registration on the list, a license to practice law shall be granted pursuant to a decision by the Minister of Justice, in accordance with a form specified in the implementing regulations of this Code. This license shall be valid for a period of five years and may be renewed in accordance with the conditions provided for herein. The applicant shall pay a fee of 2,000 riyals for the issuance of a license, and 1,000 riyals for renewal.

The Ministry of Justice shall notify the courts, the Board of Grievances, and the committees referred to in Article (1) of this Law of the names of the attorneys registered in the list of practicing attorneys immediately upon the issuance or renewal of the license. A record of the names and addresses of the practicing attorneys shall be maintained at the court and the Board of Grievances, and those who wish to review it must be granted access.

• A lawyer who ceases to practice the profession for a period exceeding one year shall notify the Ministry of Justice in a form to be specified in the implementing regulations of this Code.