Requirements to practice law in DR

[holita]

Can anyone tell me the requirements to become a licensed lawyer in DR? Thanks.

[HOWMAR]

See: http://www.dr1.com/forums/374214-post22.html

[holita]

I need clarification.....

So, a person with a US law degree can practice law if they are a dominican citizen???

[HOWMAR]

Originally Posted by holita

I need clarification.....

So, a person with a US law degree can practice law if they are a dominican citizen???

Doesn't HB say you must be a graduate of a Dominican Law School? I believe you must sit for the equivalent of the Dominican Bar exam also.

[holita]

Originally Posted by HOWMAR

Doesn't HB say you must be a graduate of a Dominican Law School? I believe you must sit for the equivalent of the Dominican Bar exam also.

Yes he does....but it is unclear of the reasoning behind his statement. I wonder if the law requires you to graduate from a Dominican Law School...OR if you have to graduate from a Dominican law school in order to understand the law...

For example, if I studied on my own to pass the Dominican Bar exam and became a Dominican citizen, could I practice? Or does the law specifically state to practice law in DR you must get your degree from a Dominican law school. Depending on how the law is worded, would make a HUGE difference as to the implication. I would like to see the exact law stating that if possible...if anyone can point me there...Thanks.

[Hillbilly]

You have to be graduated from a Dominican university. Your degree must be reviewed by the Dominican Bar Association.
A US law degree is kinda worthless here unless you want to offer consults to people doing business in the USA.

In order to practice law in the DR you MUST be a Dominican citizen.

As far as I know, there is no such thing as a bar exam here....

HB

[holita]

Thank you Hillbilly!!!

[Fabio J. Guzman]

The legal requirements are the following:

(1) A law degree from a Dominican Law School or the “revalidation” at the University of Santo Domingo (UASD) of a law degree obtained in a foreign university. For graduates of common law countries, a revalidation is almost impossible. The candidate will have to take 90%+ of the courses.

(2) A decree from the President authorizing you to practice in the DR (“exequatur”)

(3) Obtaining membership at the Dominican Bar Association (“Colegio de Abogados de la República Dominicana”).

(4) Swearing in as a lawyer at the Supreme Court.

(5) Registering at the local court.

Being a Dominican is no longer a requirement. You can practice law as a legal resident.

There is a bill pending in Congress instituting a Bar Exam and continuing education requirements.

[Hillbilly]

Being a Dominican is no longer a requirement. You can practice law as a legal resident.

OH my Lord!! I think I'll try and become a lawyer in my old age!!!

Note to Fabio: When did this happen???

HB

[holita]

Originally Posted by Fabio J. Guzman

The legal requirements are the following:

(1) A law degree from a Dominican Law School or the “revalidation” at the University of Santo Domingo (UASD) of a law degree obtained in a foreign university. For graduates of common law countries, a revalidation is almost impossible. The candidate will have to take 90%+ of the courses.

I have a Civil Law degree with a Certificate in International and Comparative law. I studied In Europe and in South America, as well as taking International law classes at my law school. Do you think that will help me? How many classes do you think I would need to take at La Uasd? Thanks.