Article 11 of the Saudi Law of Legal Practice
المادة 11 من نظام المحاماة · الباب الثاني: واجبات المحامين وحقوقهم
The Article requires a lawyer to practice his profession in accordance with Sharia principles and the laws in force, to refrain from anything that undermines its dignity, and to respect the rules and instructions issued for it.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
على المحامي مزاولة مهنته وفقا للأصول الشرعية والأنظمة المرعية، والامتناع عن أي عمل يخل بكرامتها، واحترام القواعد والتعليمات الصادرة في هذا الشأن.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 11 explained in plain English
This Article sets the general rule for a lawyer's conduct in his work, and contains three obligations:
- Practicing in accordance with Sharia principles and the laws in force: in everything the lawyer provides by way of pleading and consultation, he must comply with the provisions of Sharia and the laws in force.
- Refraining from any act that undermines the dignity of the profession: a lawyer must preserve the standing of the profession, and the text is general in speaking of "any act".
- Respecting the rules and instructions issued in this regard: these are the rules and instructions that regulate the profession, which the Article does not list.
The Article is worded in general terms. It gives no specific examples of what undermines the dignity of the profession, and does not itself state the penalty for violation. Article 12 gives a specific application of this general principle, preventing a lawyer from touching on personal matters of his client's opponent or the opponent's lawyer, and requiring him to refrain from insults or accusations that affect honor and dignity.
For a party to a case, this Article means he is entitled to expect his lawyer to comply with Sharia and the laws, and that a lawyer is neither required nor permitted to go beyond them in his client's interest. If you have a concern about a lawyer's conduct, it would be best to consult a lawyer specializing in the laws regulating the legal profession to learn the available options.
Practical example
A client in Jeddah asked his lawyer to submit to the court a document that both parties know is not genuine. The lawyer must refuse, because the Article requires him to practice his profession in accordance with Sharia principles and the laws in force and to refrain from any act that undermines the dignity of the profession.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 11 of the Saudi Law of Legal Practice
What are a lawyer's general duties?
To practice his profession in accordance with Sharia principles and the laws in force, to refrain from any act that undermines its dignity, and to respect the rules and instructions issued in this regard.
May a lawyer break the law in his client's interest?
No. The Article requires him to practice the profession in accordance with Sharia principles and the laws in force.
More articles on Duties of the Lawyer
- Article 12
The Article bars a lawyer from touching on personal matters of his client's opponent or the opponent's lawyer, and requires him to refrain from insults or accusations that affect honor and dignity.
لا يجوز للمحامي أن يتعرض للأمور الشخصية الخاصة بخصم موكله أو محاميه، وعليه أن يمتنع عن السب أو الاتهام بما يمس الشرف والكرامة.
- Article 14
The Article bars a lawyer from accepting a case or giving a consultation against a body he works for or whose relationship ended less than 5 years ago, or against his client under a part-time contract within 3 years.
1- لا يجوز للمحامي بنفسه أو بوساطة محام آخر أن يقبل أي دعوى أو يعطي أي استشارة ضد جهة يعمل لديها، أو ضد جهة انتهت علاقته بها، إلا بعد مضي مدة لا تقل عن خمس سنوا
- Article 15
The Article bars a lawyer, himself or through another, from accepting agency for his client's opponent or giving him any help in the same case or a related case, even after his agency has ended.
لا يجوز للمحامي بنفسه أو بوساطة محام آخر أن يقبل الوكالة عن خصم موكله أو أن يبدي له أي معونة، ولو على سبيل الرأي في دعوى سبق له أن قبل الوكالة فيها أو في دعوى ذ
- Article 16
The Article bars a person who was a judge before practicing law from accepting agency, himself or through another lawyer, in a case that was before him.
لا يجوز لمن كان قاضيا قبل مزاولة مهنة المحاماة أن يقبل الوكالة بنفسه أو بوساطة محام آخر في دعوى كانت معروضة عليه.
- Article 17
The Article bars a person who gave an opinion in a case as an employee, arbitrator or expert from accepting agency in that case.
لا يجوز لمن أبدى رأيه في قضية بصفته موظفا أو محكما أو خبيرا، أن يقبل الوكالة في تلك القضية.
- Article 20
The Article requires a lawyer or agent to submit the original of his power of attorney or a certified copy at the first hearing, and explains the effect of the client attending with him and of an officially certified general power of attorney.
يجب على المحامي أو الوكيل، أن يقدم أصل توكيله أو صورة منه مصدقا عليها إلى المحكمة أو ديوان المظالم أو اللجان المشار إليها في المادة الأولى من هذا النظام، في أول
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.