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In effectCabinet Resolution

UAE Civil Litigation LawCabinet Resolution No. (45) of 2025 Regarding the Administrative Penalties for Acts in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession

UAE Federal Decree-Law·Cabinet Resolution No. (45) of 2025

قرار مجلس الوزراء بشأن لائحة الجزاءات الإدارية عن الأفعال التي تقع بالمخالفة لأحكام المرسوم بقانون اتحادي في شأن تنظيم مهنتي المحاماة والاستشارات القانونية

Authoritative Arabic version per the official UAE Legislation portal

Issued Date
April 21, 2025
Effective from
May 30, 2025
Articles
14
Last synced
Jun 3, 2026

Plain-language summary

  • Sets official fines and penalties for lawyers and legal consultants who break the 2022 legal profession law.
  • Applies to licensed lawyers, legal consultants, and law firms operating in the UAE.
  • Covers violations like practicing without a valid license, breaching client confidentiality, or misleading advertising.
  • Penalties may include warnings, financial fines, suspension, or removal from the practicing lawyers register.
  • The Ministry of Justice and competent authorities are responsible for detecting violations and issuing penalties.
  • Violators have the right to appeal decisions through the channels set out in the resolution.

Establishes administrative penalties and fines for lawyers and legal consultants who violate the 2022 legal profession law, including unlicensed practice, confi…

Synced from the official UAE Legislation portal · Plain-language summary by the LEXAI editorial team

Article-level text

Key Articles

14 articles

  1. 1

    Article 1

    Article (1) Definitions Definitions stipulated in Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession shall be applied to this Resolution. Otherwise, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 2 Decree by Law : Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession. Implementing Regulation : Cabinet Resolution No. (8) of 2025 Regarding the Implementing Regulation of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession. The Code : Cabinet Resolution No. (9) of 2025 Approving the Code of Conduct for the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession; Regulatory Regulation : Cabinet Resolution No. (10) of 2025 Regarding the Regulations of Law Firms and Legal Consultancy Firms.

  2. 2

    Article 2

    Article (2) Scope of Application The provisions of this Resolution shall apply in the event of any violation by practitioners of the legal profession, legal Consultancy profession, or legal researchers registered with the Ministry, of the provisions of the Decree by Law, its Implementing Regulation, the Regulatory Regulation, the Code of Conduct, or any resolutions issued in implementation thereof.

  3. 3

    Article 3

    Article (3) Verification of Violations The competent department shall verify the compliance of legal practitioners, legal consultants, or legal researchers with the duties and obligations stipulated under the provisions of the Decree by Law, its Implementing Regulation, the Regulatory By-Law, the Code of Conduct, or any resolutions issued in implementation thereof. The department may request any documents or records and take appropriate measures to substantiate the acts committed in violation thereof, and shall submit a report thereon to the Committee.

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 3

  4. 4

    Article 4

    Article (4) Imposition of Administrative Penalties Without prejudice to any procedures stipulated under the Decree by Law, the Committee shall have the right, in the event of any violation by practitioners of the legal profession, legal consultants, or legal researchers of their professional obligations or the commission of any prohibited acts under the Decree by Law, its Implementing Regulation, the Regulatory By- Laws, the Code of Conduct, or any resolutions issued in implementation thereof, to impose any of the following administrative penalties: 1. Warning. 2. Administrative Fine in compliance with the financial values specified for each violation in the schedules annexed to this Resolution. The Committee may double the administrative fine for violations listed in the annexed schedules in cases of recidivism, without prejudice to any severer penalties stipulated under

  5. 5

    Article 5

    Article (5) Grievance Against Administrative Penalties 1. A lawyer, legal consultant, or legal researcher may submit a grievance against the Committee’s decision to impose any of the administrative penalties stipulated under this Resolution, before the Minister, within fifteen (15) days from the date of being notified of the decision. The grievance shall be duly reasoned and supported by all relevant documents. 2. The grievance shall be decided upon thirty (30) days from the date of its submission, in compliance with the procedures adopted by the Ministry. Failure to respond to the grievance within this period shall be deemed a rejection thereof.

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 4

  6. 6

    Article 6

    Article (6) Amendment of Fines The Cabinet shall have the competence to amend the values of the administrative fines stipulated in the schedules annexed to this Resolution, whether by addition, deletion, or modification.

  7. 7

    Article 7

    Article (7) Collection of Fines Fines imposed under the provisions of this Resolution shall be collected in compliance with the mechanism determined by the Ministry of Finance in coordination with the Ministry.

  8. 8

    Article 8

    Article (8) Executive Resolutions The Minister shall issue the necessary resolutions for the implementation of the provisions of this Resolution.

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 5

  9. 8

    Article 8

    Article (8) of the Implementing Regulation regarding the training of trainee lawyers. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 2. Art. (31) – Clause (3) Violation of the fee agreement controls specified in Clause (3) of

  10. 9

    Article 9

    Article (9) Publication and Entry into Force This Resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force one month following the date of its publication. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prime Minister Issued by Us On: 23 Shawwal 1446 AH Corresponding to: 21 April 2025 AD

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 6 Schedules Annexed to the Cabinet Resolution Regarding the Regulation of Administrative Penalties for Acts in Violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession Schedule No. (1): Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession No. Applicable Article of Decree by Law Violation Administrative Fine (AED) 1. Art. (7) Pleading before the Federal Supreme Court by a lawyer not registered to plead before this court. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 2. Art. (8) – Clause (2) Violation of any terms of a special power of attorney. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 3. Art. (16) Practicing the legal profession without taking the legal oath. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 4. Art. (20) – Clause (1) Failure of a lawyer registered before the Federal Supreme Court to train a trainee lawyer without justification approved by the Committee. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 5. Art. (20) – Clause (1) Failure of a lawyer registered before the Federal Supreme Court to pay a monthly stipend to a trainee lawyer. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 6. Art. (20) – Clause (1) Violation by a trainee lawyer of the terms and conditions of the training period. 5,000 (Five thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 7 Schedule No. (1): Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession No. Applicable Article of Decree by Law Violation Administrative Fine (AED) 7. Art. (21) – Clause (1) Combining registration in the roll of practicing lawyer with the practice of any of the activities listed in Article (21) of the Decree by Law. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 8. Art. (32) – Clause (1) Failure to inform the client of any situation that may constitute a conflict of interest prior to accepting the power of attorney. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 9. Art. (32) – Clause (2) 1. Failure to notify the client about the stages of the case and any developments. 2. Failure to inform the client of decisions issued in the case within a reasonable period. 3. Failure to inform the client of hearing and appeal dates. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 10. Article (33) Failure to adhere to the official attire for lawyers as determined by the Ministry. 5,000 (Five thousand) 11. Art. (37) – Clause (1) Failure to return the original power of attorney and documents to the client upon expiration of the mandate and full settlement of fees if requested by the client. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 8 Schedule No. (1): Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession No. Applicable Article of Decree by Law Violation Administrative Fine (AED) 12. Art. (38) – Clause (2) Failure of the lawyer to return the power of attorney, original documents, and advance fees to the client upon withdrawal from representation or upon termination of the mandate. 30,000 (Thirty thousand) 13. Art. (39) – Clause (1) Engaging in any conduct incompatible with the dignity and traditions of the legal profession, or failure to uphold honor, integrity, and the ethical and professional standards imposed by the profession. 20,000 (Twenty thousand) 14. Art. 39 – Clause (2) 1. Engaging in behavior inconsistent with the dignity of the judiciary authority and its members. 2. Engaging in acts that may hinder the adjudication of cases or disrupt the course of justice. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 15. Art. (40) Accepting a mandate or continuing to act in a case or proceeding before a judge or public prosecutor with whom the lawyer knowingly has a relationship by blood or marriage up to the fourth degree, even if the opposing party has given consent. 30,000 (Thirty thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 9 Schedule No. (1): Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession No. Applicable Article of Decree by Law Violation Administrative Fine (AED) 16. Art. (41) Accepting a mandate for others or through a lawyer working on the lawyer's behalf in a case against a former employer within one year of leaving the position, in violation of

  11. 13

    Article 13

    Article (13) of the Code of Conduct. 5,000 (Five thousand) 4. Art. (16) – Clause (1) Use of the title "Lawyer" by a trainee lawyer without adding the qualifier "Trainee." 5,000 (Five thousand) 5. Art. (16) – Clause (2) Acceptance by a trainee lawyer during the training period of a mandate in lawsuits in their own name, on their own behalf, or handling or pleading in such cases. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 6. Art. (17) Failure of the lawyer, legal consultant, or legal researcher to comply with the controls specified in Article (17) of the Code of Conduct when participating in media and all types of social media platforms. 10,000 (Ten thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 15 Schedule No. (4) Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of the Code of Conduct of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession No. Applicable Article of Code Violation Administrative Fine (AED) 7. Art. (18) Failure of the lawyer, legal consultant, or legal researcher to comply with the advertising controls stipulated in Article (18) of the Code of Conduct when self- promoting. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand)

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  12. 31

    Article 31

    Article (31) of the Implementing Regulation. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 3. Art. (48) Disclosure of confidential information by the legal researcher, legal consultant, or representative, whether verbally, in writing, via email, through technological means, or any other method. 10,000 (Ten thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 13 Schedule No. (3) Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of Regulations of Law Firms and Legal Consultancy Firms No. Applicable Article of Decree by Law Violation Administrative Fine (AED) 1. Art. (3) Failure of the Firm to notify the Ministry and the competent authority of any changes to its data stipulated in Article (3) within a period not exceeding (15) fifteen working days from the date of occurrence. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 2. Art. (6) Failure to comply with the controls stipulated in Article (6) of the Regulatory By-Laws. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 14 Schedule No. (4) Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of the Code of Conduct of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession No. Applicable Article of Code Violation Administrative Fine (AED) 1. Art. (12) – Clause (3) Failure to comply with the work agreement controls stipulated in Clause (3) of Article (12) of the Code of Conduct. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 2. Art. (13) – Clause (3) – Para (a) Failure of the lawyer to comply with the record-keeping controls specified in Paragraph (a) of Clause (3) of Article (13) of the Code of Conduct. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 3. Art. (13) – Clause (5) Failure of the lawyer to comply with the controls regarding professional relations with colleagues stipulated in Clause (5) of

  13. 41

    Article 41

    Article (41) of the Decree by Law. 20,000 (Twenty thousand) 17. Art. (42) Engaging in any commercial activities in violation of Article (42) of the Decree by Law. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 18. Art. (43) Accepting a mandate in a dispute against a person or entity the lawyer had previously been consulted by and had reviewed related documents and defense details. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 19. Art. (44) Testifying about facts or information obtained through the practice of law, unless permitted by the party who disclosed such information or in cases permitted under applicable laws in the State. 30,000 (Thirty thousand) 20. Art. (55) If the lawyer purchases all or part of the disputed rights. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 21. Art. (59) If a legal researcher or legal consultant engages in pleading, filing or pursuing 15,000 (Fifteen thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 10 Schedule No. (1): Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession No. Applicable Article of Decree by Law Violation Administrative Fine (AED) lawsuits before public prosecution, courts, judicial committees, or represents clients before rental dispute settlement committees, tax dispute resolution committees, or any committee with judicial jurisdiction. 22. Art. (60) Practicing as a legal researcher or legal consultant without being registered in the designated Roll and paying the prescribed fees. 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 23. Art. (61) – Clause (1) Failure of a legal researcher or consultant in their conduct while performing their duties to abide by the principles of honor, honesty and integrity, and to maintain the profession's values while respecting its customs, ethics, and relevant applicable state legislation, resolutions, or provisions of the Code of Conduct. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 24. Art. (61) – Clause (2) Committing any of the prohibited acts mentioned under Article (61) – Clause (2). 15,000 (Fifteen thousand) 25. Art. (63) Failure to request transfer to the roll of non-practicing consultants within 10,000 (Ten thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 11 Schedule No. (1): Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession No. Applicable Article of Decree by Law Violation Administrative Fine (AED) thirty (30) days from the date of the occurrence of the reason that preventing them from practicing the profession. 26. Art. (64) – Clause (2) A lawyer employing an unregistered representative. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 27. Art. (66) Failure of the representative to abide by the principles of honor, honesty and integrity in their work and to maintain the profession's values while respecting its customs, ethics, and relevant applicable state legislation. 5,000 (Five thousand) 28. Art. (67) The representative committing any of the prohibited acts stipulated in Article (67) of the Decree by Law. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 29. Art. (71) Failure of the lawyer or legal consultant to maintain a licensed and suitable office to practice the profession in compliance with the controls set by the Implementing Regulation. 10,000 (Ten thousand)

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    Cabinet Resolution of 2025 Regarding the Regulatory Schedule of Administrative Penalties for Acts in violation of the Provisions of Federal Decree by Law of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultancy Profession 12 Schedule No. (2) Violations and Fines Related to the Implementation of Implementing Regulation of Federal Decree by Law No. (34) of 2022 Regarding the Regulation of the Legal Profession and the Legal Consultant Profession No. Applicable Article of Decree by Law Violation Administrative Fine (AED) 1. Art. (8) Failure of the supervising lawyer to comply with the controls set out in

  14. 86

    Article 86

    Article (86) of the Decree by Law.

Note: The Arabic text of this legislation is the authoritative version as per the official UAE Legislation portal.

Articles in this law(14)
  1. 1Article (1) Definitions Definitions stipulated in Federal Decree by Law No. (34)
  2. 2Article (2) Scope of Application The provisions of this Resolution shall apply i
  3. 3Article (3) Verification of Violations The competent department shall verify the
  4. 4Article (4) Imposition of Administrative Penalties Without prejudice to any proc
  5. 5Article (5) Grievance Against Administrative Penalties 1. A lawyer, legal consul
  6. 6Article (6) Amendment of Fines The Cabinet shall have the competence to amend th
  7. 7Article (7) Collection of Fines Fines imposed under the provisions of this Resol
  8. 8Article (8) Executive Resolutions The Minister shall issue the necessary resolut
  9. 8Article (8) of the Implementing Regulation regarding the training of trainee law
  10. 9Article (9) Publication and Entry into Force This Resolution shall be published
  11. 13Article (13) of the Code of Conduct. 5,000 (Five thousand) 4. Art. (16) – Clause
  12. 31Article (31) of the Implementing Regulation. 10,000 (Ten thousand) 3. Art. (48)
  13. 41Article (41) of the Decree by Law. 20,000 (Twenty thousand) 17. Art. (42) Engagi
  14. 86Article (86) of the Decree by Law.
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