In a recent disciplinary shake-up, the Kuwait Bar Association announced a series of measures aimed at curbing unauthorized legal practice, including approving the filing of official complaints against expatriates who have been posting legal advice and consultations on social media without proper licensing. The move, widely reported by local media, including Arab Times, comes as part of the Bar’s efforts to protect the integrity of the legal profession and ensure full compliance with Kuwait’s Legal Profession Law.The Board of Directors also removed 11 lawyers from the Association’s register after determining that they did not meet the statutory registration requirements and suspended three law firms found to be managed by individuals not authorised to practise law in Kuwait. The complaints against expatriates were filed specifically in response to videos and online content offering legal advice, an activity that the Bar says violates professional licensing rules and undermines public trust in legal services.
Why Kuwait is cracking down on online legal advice
Kuwait’s insistence on regulating who can offer legal guidance — especially paid or publicly shared legal opinions, is grounded in its Legal Profession Law, which sets clear requirements for licensing and professional practice. Only those registered with the Kuwait Bar Association and authorised to practise can legally provide legal advice or represent clients. According to legal observers and online community discussions, even specialised legal consultancy work must be conducted within the framework of recognised firms or individual licences and unregistered practice, including social-media advice, can be construed as illegal.
Unlicensed Legal Advice Under Fire as Kuwait Files Complaints
The move reflects broader concerns about the influence of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, where non-lawyers or foreign rule-of-law commentators sometimes share legal tips. Authorities argue that such posts can mislead viewers or lead to improper legal strategies, potentially harming individuals who rely on them for important civil, criminal or administrative matters. By targeting these online posts, the Bar is signalling that professional legal services must adhere to established training, licensing and ethical standards, whether delivered in person or online.
Expats and the legal profession in Kuwait: What this means
The complaints against expatriates offering legal advice online highlight an ongoing tension in Kuwait’s legal and labour landscape. While expats make up a large portion of the workforce in Kuwait, including in professional and consulting roles, practising law is tightly regulated, and non-licensed individuals are typically restricted from offering legal counsel. Reddit discussions indicate that even long-term residents with legal knowledge must navigate strict licensing rules before acting as lawyers or consultants in Kuwait’s courts or legal market.This enforcement action comes at a time of broader regulatory adjustments in Kuwait aimed at formalising professional services and labour market participation. For example, authorities are also considering new frameworks like a regulated freelance visa to allow expats to work independently under official licences, which could eventually intersect with legal consulting and other professional services.
Protecting the legal system and consumers in Kuwait
Kuwait’s crackdown is intended not only to enforce the rule of law but also to protect consumers from unverified or potentially harmful legal advice. Misinterpretation of legal rights or obligations, particularly around sensitive areas like criminal charges, civil litigation, contracts or residency issues, can have serious consequences for individuals and businesses. By restricting legal advice to licensed professionals, the Bar aims to uphold accountability, accuracy and ethical standards in legal representation.
Expats Offering Legal Help on Social Media Face Action in Kuwait
The Bar’s disciplinary actions, including deregistration and firm suspensions, serve as a reminder that professional credentials matter, and that online platforms do not exempt individuals from national legal requirements. As Kuwait continues to modernise its legal infrastructure and professional services sector, questions around digital advice, cross-border expertise and licensing will remain at the forefront of policy debates.The Kuwait Bar Association filed complaints against expatriates offering legal advice through social media, calling it a violation of the Legal Profession Law. Eleven lawyers were removed from the Bar’s register and three firms were suspended for serious legal violations. The crackdown targets unauthorised online legal advice, reflecting concerns about misinformation and consumer protection. Only licensed and registered legal professionals are permitted to provide legal consulting and representation in Kuwait. This comes amid broader regulatory and labour reforms, including potential freelance visa rules for expats.
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