RIYADH, 19 June 2004 — Saudi Arabia has so far issued more than 400 new licenses to lawyers under new Justice Ministry regulations.
However, Saudi courts will allow lawyers with licenses from the Commerce Ministry, which was the issuing authority under the old system, to continue practicing until their licenses expire. “This is an interim period for streamlining the legal profession according to the new laws,” said Amr Rajab, a senior legal adviser at a law firm here.
Rajab said Saudis with bachelor degrees in law must have at least three years experience practicing law in order to apply for a license from the Justice Ministry. “A master’s degree holder in law needs one year experience while a doctor in law can apply for a license without experience.”
The National Committee for Lawyers is also studying plans to provide legal aid for those who cannot afford a lawyer for both civil and criminal cases.
Dr. Hasan Al-Mulla, president of the committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has said eligibility for legal aid would be negotiated with the Ministry of Justice.
A group of Saudi women recently wrote to Justice Minister Abdullah Al-Ashsheikh calling for women’s sections in courts to deal with cases involving women. The letter asked that women’s sections be administered by female lawyers or graduates of the Shariah College.
