New Law Reshapes the Legal Profession in Morocco
The recently enacted law governing the legal profession in Morocco marks a significant transformation in the country's judicial landscape. Officially published in the government gazette on August 20, 2026, this legislation aligns with Article 50 of the Moroccan Constitution, which mandates the issuance and publication of laws for them to take effect. This milestone not only concludes the political and professional debates surrounding the law but also signifies a pivotal moment in the modernization of legal regulations, enhancing the independence of the profession and updating its operational frameworks to improve judicial efficiency and governance.
One of the most notable changes introduced by this law is the positive shift in the criteria for entry and professional qualification, which includes the establishment of a specialized institute for lawyer training. Aspiring lawyers must now pass a competitive examination and complete a year of essential theoretical training to obtain a competence certificate. Furthermore, the legislation sets the minimum age for taking this exam at 21 and the maximum at 45, requiring candidates to hold a master’s degree or an equivalent diploma in legal sciences or Sharia. The law also stipulates a mandatory training period of 24 months and introduces a compulsory annual continuing education system, with the possibility of specialization leading to the title of ‘specialized lawyer.’
The new legislation offers diverse options for practice and expands the scope of legal services, including individual practice, partnerships between law firms, cohabitation, and professional civil companies, alongside international cooperation under specific regulations, while limiting the establishment of offices to one within national territory. Additionally, the role of lawyers has broadened to encompass legal consulting, drafting corporate contracts, and engaging in arbitration and mediation, while representation before all courts in the kingdom remains exclusive to lawyers registered with the relevant associations.
Moreover, the new law enhances governance and transparency within the legal entities, particularly concerning the management of clients’ funds and lawyers' fees, ensuring oversight by the Supreme Court of Auditors to guarantee financial transparency. It also mandates that a written mandate be retained from clients to define fees and protect the rights of both parties, thus solidifying the ethical framework of legal practice in Morocco.
As reported by elaph.com.
