Lawyers are an integral part of the modern dispute resolution process. From a businessman, landowner, to an employee or a tenant, any individual may require legal assistance from a lawyer at some point in their life. In the UAE, in order to provide legal advice and to appear in the UAE courts, individuals must obtain the appropriate license after fulfilling certain criteria.

Legal Consultant

Legal consultants are individuals who are licensed by the government to provide legal advice. In order to be eligible to obtain a legal consultant license, one must have a degree in law from a recognized university, and a particular number of years of experience in the legal field. However, a legal consultant cannot represent a person before the court of law.

Advocate

In the UAE, advocates are individuals who are licensed to represent clients before the UAE courts. Advocates, or court lawyers must also fulfil certain requirements before applying for an advocate’s license, such as experience in the legal field. Furthermore, only UAE citizens can apply for an advocate’s license.

Key characteristics of an advocate

1. Experience in Law

Advocates are required to be well aware of the facts and circumstances of the case as they are the voice of their clients, before the court of law. Additionally, they are also required to be experts in UAE Law.

2. Understanding of court procedures

As an advocate, one deals with a large number of cases, representing individuals before the UAE courts. Consequently, advocates acquire a deep understanding of the procedural aspects of a case.

3. Submission of statement of claim or response

The statement of claim is a legal document submitted to the court by the party initiating the case. This document will consist of the facts of the case, the supporting claims and the relief sought by the party. This statement of claim is submitted by the advocate representing the party. Drafting the statement of claim is one of the most crucial steps in a legal case.

4. Submission of evidence

As part of the court process, advocates are required to submit all evidences to prove the claims made by their party. This evidence is important in convincing the judge of the validity of one’s claims.

5. Examining witnesses

Advocates are required to examine the witnesses as part of the court procedures. They must not only examine the witnesses appearing on behalf of their client, but also cross-examine the witnesses from the opposite side. Testimonial evidence from witnesses is an integral part of UAE’s court process.

6. Execution petitions and appeals

Once the court passes a judgement, the advocate, on a request from their client, may take any further step required in the case. If the court has passed a favorable order, the advocate may file an execution petition, if required. If the order is not favorable, the advocate may file an appeal in a higher court.

Advocates are thus a pillar of the UAE judicial system. It is extremely important to choose the right advocate to represent yourself in a legal dispute before the UAE court.