Doha:HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, has emphasized that Qatar is giving overriding priority to the legal profession. This commitment is evident in the nation's recent amendments to the Law Regulating the Legal Profession and the subsequent statutory decisions.
According to Qatar News Agency, the legislative framework for the legal profession is currently under review as part of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Ministry's strategy. Speaking at the Gulf Lawyers Forum, organized by the Qatari Lawyers Association to celebrate its 20th anniversary, HE the Minister highlighted the importance of the profession's independence as a safeguard for litigants, rather than just a privilege for lawyers.
HE Al Mohannadi described the crucial role lawyers play in ensuring justice, noting that the quality of justice is often gauged by what occurs in lawyers' offices. He thanked the Qatari Lawyers Association for its efforts in fostering professional communication among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) lawyers and congratulated them on their anniversary.
Addressing challenges facing the legal profession, HE Al Mohannadi identified technological readiness, financial integrity, and proper training as key areas. He stressed the importance of lawyers understanding technological tools and maintaining financial integrity, ensuring that law offices do not become conduits for funds of unknown origin.
Moreover, HE the Minister highlighted the human element in legal training, asserting that the future of the profession depends on sound professional standards for trainees. He called for strengthened roles of law firms and professional associations in preparing legal professionals.
On GCC cooperation, the Minister noted progress in enabling lawyers to practice across the region. He advocated for convergence in qualification standards and professional conduct to build a successful GCC-wide legal market. HE Al Mohannadi proposed initiatives for a unified GCC framework and mutual recognition of professional development programs.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing cooperation among regulating authorities, lawyers, and associations to serve the cause of justice within Qatar and the GCC.
