Q: Hi all, I recently engaged a law firm in the UAE to help clear some cases against being due to bounced cheques. The firm did not provide any formal quote or letter of engagement and the service, including cost, was discussed via emails. The firm's response to a request for a quote or letter of engagement was that their internal policy is such that does not provide such correspondence. I was asked to pay the full fees upfront which I did. Prior to and since the engagement began, I have been liaising with a business development person at this firm and I have requested multiple times to speak to the lawyer assigned to my cases. The response I get is a short single-line answer dismissing the request. I have also been asking for an update in terms of progress so far and received responses to the effect "lawyers are working on it". There is no specific update provided in terms of actions, submissions to authorities, or any other matter. Does this approach appear reasonable by a law firm in the UAE?

Q: My lawyer isn’t sharing papers for the payment from the court. I believe there is a paper called accounts report that states in detail the amount I had to receive. How can I get that report? The labor case is in Abu Dhabi. Thank you

Q: I had a civil compensation case (road accident) with a law firm in Abu Dhabi in 2017. During the initial stage, they had sent an advocate fee agreement mentioning 15% of the collected money from the court by email, I have signed and sent it to them by courier. But, they failed to provide a signed copy to me and I also forgot to get the same due to my work pressure at that time. The court judgment and compensation money also came to the lawyer's account, and now my lawyer is asking for 20% advocate fees. I did not agree with the same. After a few days of this conversation, they verbally agreed to 15% fees and requested to send account details, and I sent my account details. They transferred money after deducting 20% advocate fees, I have sent many emails to release my remaining amount based on the 15% calculation, but they are not replying or responding to my emails. Currently, I am in India due to losing my job during the COVID situation. Please advise how to get my remaining money from them.

Q: Dear sir/madam, My wife filed a compensation claim in Abu Dhabi. The court found the opponent guilty and was awarded damages. Can she reclaim the legal fees paid to the law firm or only the court costs including the cost to file the case? As the compensation awarded does not cover the fees paid. Thanks!

Q: Hello, I need legal advice regarding a divorce attorney. I gave all the evidence for the physical abuse and infidelity. The lawyer didn’t include any evidence in the memo even though we agreed that she will. I did get divorced but didn’t get children alimony. I have the right to two appeals. My lawyer is asking to do the full payment for their service before the appeal or she is not going to do the appeal. What are my rights in this case? I thought the full payment should be done after all the appeals. Please advise!

Q: Good day to you, The Legal Affairs Department Judge upheld my complaint against a Dubai law firm and banned them from practicing law for 1 month. Can I now raise a case against them to recover fees paid along with damages? If so, how? Thank you

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, If we file a case against someone with a lawyer and sign a POA with a percentage on a recovery basis, and then we go with another lawyer or recover through mutual talking with the culprit, does the first lawyer have a right to the percentage on recovery which we signed with him?

With over 3,000 licensed advocates and legal consultants in Dubai alone, you have a wealth of choices for legal assistance. But is this too much of a good thing? With so many choices, anyone looking for legal help in the UAE has a few significant hurdles to overcome.

With the introduction of the new procedures for obtaining a power of attorney (POA) remotely in the UAE, after it was mandatory to appear in person in front of the notary public as a global rule to ensure the identity and intention of the person requesting a POA, we put between your hands this brief guide for how you get it done.

Comparing the lawyer to the doctor is an old and common comparison, but its reflection on the social reality has not yet been completed, because many people still do not seek lawyers' assistance unless they are forced to. Although those people rush to doctors as soon as they feel any fatigue or deterioration in their health condition, or before making any decision that may affect their bodies, it is noticed that they do not do the same when it comes to their “community” health or their rights.

The UAE has adopted a major reform in its legislative system that brought about 40 new laws and amendments to the company law, criminal law, personal status, among others. The amendments aim to develop the legislative structure in various sectors, the labor law being one of these, was the most recent. We try in this article to shed light on the changes introduced with the new labor law and their significance on both, the employer and employee.

The law promulgates UAE Civil Procedures Code (Civil Procedure Law) which governs civil procedures in the United Arab Emirates, including the prosecution before the courts, litigation and execution.

The provisions of this Law regulate the profession of lawyers in the UAE. Lawyers are those who practice the legal profession in view of providing judicial and legal assistance to whomever so requires.

This Ministerial Decision of Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments sets the implementing regulations of the Federal Law No. (23) of 1991 On the Regulation of the Legal Profession in the UAE. It abrogates Ministerial Decision No. (501) of 1992.