His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman has recently issued a Royal Decree on the Law on Advocacy and Legal Consultancy, which aims to regulate the legal landscape in the country. The decree includes several key articles that outline the enforcement of the attached law, the issuance of executive regulations by the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, as well as the adjustment of status for existing advocacy offices, civil advocacy firms, and foreign legal consultancy offices within specific timeframes.
Article (1) of the Royal Decree stipulates that the Law on Advocacy and Legal Consultancy attached to the decree shall be enforced. This indicates that the legal framework outlined in the attached law will now be formally implemented in Oman. Furthermore, Article (2) states that the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs will be responsible for issuing the executive regulations of the attached law and making any necessary decisions for its implementation.
Article (3) of the decree requires existing advocacy offices, civil advocacy firms, and foreign legal consultancy offices to adjust their status within one year from the date of enforcement of the attached law. Additionally, it specifies that existing civil advocacy firms operating in partnership with a non-Omani partner can continue their operations for a period of three years from the enforcement date. During this time, non-Omani partners are prohibited from transferring their shares to other non-Omanis.
Under Article (4) of the decree, the previous Advocacy Law issued under Royal Decree No. (108/96) has been canceled. This means that any contracts or provisions that are in conflict with the new law will no longer be valid. Finally, Article (5) states that the Royal Decree will be published in the Official Gazette and enforced six months from its issuance date, allowing stakeholders to prepare for the upcoming changes in the legal landscape.
Overall, the Royal Decree on the Law on Advocacy and Legal Consultancy issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik represents a significant step towards regulating the legal sector in Oman. By enforcing the attached law and setting specific timelines for the adjustment of existing legal entities, the decree aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the legal system. These developments are expected to have a positive impact on the legal profession and ensure that legal services in Oman are of the highest standard.
