Bring your ID, the key documents and a one-page timeline, and arrive with a short list of questions about scope, fees, risks and next steps. Before you sign anything, check the lawyer's licence on the official channel for the emirate or court involved, and ask for a written fee (retainer) agreement.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for anyone in the UAE who is about to meet a lawyer for the first time, for example after a court notice, a claim, a police matter or a family dispute. It helps you use the meeting well and compare lawyers. It does not recommend a particular lawyer or replace legal advice.
Check that the lawyer is licensed
Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and Legal Consultation Profession says only lawyers licensed in the UAE may practise law or use the title "lawyer" (Article 6). Courts, the public prosecution and government bodies only accept a lawyer's representation if the lawyer's name is on the Ministry of Justice Roll of Practising Lawyers. Emirates with their own local judicial authorities may also regulate the profession under local law (Article 3).
Use the official channel that fits your matter:
- Dubai: the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department has an online directory of advocates and legal consultants licensed in Dubai. You can search by name or firm. The department says the directory does not list paralegals, PROs, or suspended or former advocates. It also does not show specialisation and is not an endorsement.
- Abu Dhabi: the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has a "Search for Lawyer" page where you can search by lawyer name, office name and city. Foreign lawyers can only appear before the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court once they are registered on its Roll of Foreign Lawyers.
- Federal courts and other emirates: the Ministry of Justice keeps the lawyers' rolls. Ask the lawyer for their registration details and confirm them with the Ministry of Justice or the relevant court if you are unsure.
Also check that the person can do what you need. Under Article 59 of the federal law, legal researchers and consultants working in a law firm cannot plead in court or file cases. If you need court representation, confirm who will appear for you.
Step by step
- Write a one-page chronology. List dates, events and the document that proves each one.
- Collect the key documents. Bring the notice, claim or judgment, the contract, payment records and important messages.
- Note every deadline. Write down hearing dates and response deadlines; the legal deadline organiser can help.
- Check the licence. Use the official directory for the emirate or court involved.
- List the other people involved. The lawyer needs their names to check for conflicts of interest.
- Prepare your questions. Use the list below and write the answers down.
- Discuss fees and scope. Ask for a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
- Agree on language. Arrange an interpreter or translations if you need them.
- Sign a power of attorney only after you engage the lawyer. It must be properly notarised.
- Write a short summary afterwards. Record the advice, the next steps and who does what.
The hearing file readiness tool can check whether your file is ready to share. Our guide on how to prepare documents and evidence for a UAE hearing explains how to build a chronology and an index.
Documents checklist
- Emirates ID and passport (and visa page, if relevant)
- The notice, claim, summons, police report or judgment you received
- Contracts, tenancy or employment documents, invoices and receipts
- Bank transfers, cheques or other payment evidence
- Emails, letters and full chat exchanges, exported with dates
- Case numbers and reference numbers from any authority
- A one-page chronology and a numbered document index
- Names and contact details of the other parties and witnesses
- Any existing power of attorney you have already signed
The evidence checklist builder can turn this into a tidy list.
Questions to ask at the first meeting
- Are you licensed to appear before the court or authority that will hear my matter?
- Do you or your firm act for, or have links with, the other party?
- What are the main options, and what are the main risks of each?
- What deadlines apply, and what must happen first?
- What exactly will you do, and what is not included?
- How will you charge: a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a fee per stage?
- Which costs are separate, such as court fees, translation, experts and notary costs?
- Who will handle my file day to day, and how will you update me?
- What do you need from me, and by when?
The fees conversation
Under Article 46 of the federal law, the retainer agreement must be made in writing before the agreed work starts. Under Article 48, fees may be agreed in advance based on the type of work, or charged at the firm's hourly rate. Under Article 49, an agreement can cover a whole case or one stage, such as an appeal or enforcement.
Lawyers may also recover expenses they incur for the case (Article 46). Ask how court fees, translation and other official costs will be billed. Read the termination terms too. Under Article 57, removing a lawyer without a lawful reason after work has started can make the full agreed fee payable.
Ask each lawyer for a written quote and compare the scope, not just the price.
Confidentiality, conflicts and language
Confidentiality. Article 45 prohibits lawyers from disclosing secrets entrusted to them, subject to narrow legal exceptions. Ask the lawyer to confirm this at the start, especially before you share sensitive documents.
Conflicts. Under Article 32, a lawyer must tell you about any circumstance that may conflict with your interests before accepting the case, or refuse it. Give the names of all other parties early.
Language. Article 5 of Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 promulgating the Civil Procedure Code says Arabic is the official language of the courts. Non-Arabic speakers are heard through a sworn interpreter. English may be used in certain specialised courts by decision. Dubai Courts asks for legal translations certified by the Ministry of Justice for non-Arabic documents.
Power of attorney. A lawyer must file a duly attested power of attorney at the first hearing they attend for you (Article 36). In Dubai, the Dubai Courts notary public offers a power of attorney service online for Emirates ID holders, or in person for passport-only holders. The Ministry of Justice also runs an e-notary system.
Common mistakes
- Bringing a pile of screenshots instead of a timeline. A one-page chronology saves meeting time and fees.
- Not checking the licence. A business card is not proof. Use the official directory.
- Agreeing fees verbally. The law expects a written retainer agreement before work starts.
- Signing a broad power of attorney too early. Read the powers you are granting and sign only after engagement.
- Missing a deadline while you compare lawyers. Note the dates first, then shop around.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Speak to a licensed lawyer as soon as you receive a court notice, a claim, a police summons or a judgment, or if a deadline is close. Early advice also helps before you sign a settlement or a large contract.
CaseDaleel is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. If you choose, CaseDaleel can introduce you to an independent licensed professional. We only share your information with your consent. You can start with a free case check to organise your facts before any meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Is what I tell a lawyer confidential?
UAE law prohibits lawyers from disclosing secrets entrusted to them, with narrow legal exceptions, so ask the lawyer to confirm this at the start.
Do I need a written fee agreement?
Yes, the federal legal profession law says the retainer agreement must be in writing before the agreed work starts.
How do I check if a lawyer is licensed in Dubai?
Search the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department directory of advocates and legal consultants by name or firm.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
Arabic is the official language of UAE courts, but non-Arabic speakers are heard through an interpreter and non-Arabic documents usually need legal translation.
Should I sign a power of attorney at the first meeting?
Only once you have decided to engage the lawyer and understand the powers, and it must be notarised through an official notary channel.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
Under Article 83 of the legal profession law, the court or public prosecution can appoint a lawyer for a party exempted from judicial fees due to inability to pay, so ask the court about judicial assistance.
Official sources
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022 Regulating the Legal Profession and Legal Consultation Profession
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 promulgating the Civil Procedure Code
- Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department — Advocates and Legal Consultants Directory
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — Search for Lawyer
- Dubai Courts — Power of Attorneys Ratification
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.