The legal profession in Cyprus

The Advocates Law, Chapter 2, regulate the legal profession in Cyprus. This legislation established the Cyprus Bar Association (CBA), the regulatory body of lawyers with over 4000 members.

The main duty of the CBA is to control the practice of the legal profession in Cyprus. The aim is for its members to follow high standards of service and ethics.

Further, we also have the Local Bar Associations, comprised of all lawyers practising the profession in each District. There are six Local Bar Associations, one for each of the six districts of Cyprus:

• Nicosia,
• Limassol,
• Larnaka,
• Pafos,
• Famagusta,
• Kerynia.

Thus, a Cypriot lawyer is a member of the CBA and a Local District Association.

The Advocates Law – Code of Conduct Regulations

Each member practising law in Cyprus must follow the Rules of Conduct of the Legal Profession. The rules mentioned above of professional ethics can be classified into the following two categories:

1. Duties towards the Government, the Society, and the Courts of law.
2. Duties owed to clients and colleagues.

Respect and integrity must exist among lawyers. The legal profession is a profession of truth, and the practice of law is an "art" based on legal science.

Practising Law

Only licensed members of the CBA are allowed to Practice Law and offer legal services in Cyprus. Those include the following:

• appearing before any Court;
• drafting pleadings on behalf of clients;
• registration of trademarks, patents, and companies;
• drawing, reviewing, and amending any Memorandum or Articles of Association;
• registering or dissolving companies;
• registering ships, alteration of all rights on a ship;
• preparing legal opinions;
• drawing or perusing any document filed in Court for administration purposes under the Administration of Estates Law.

Membership of the CBA – qualifying as a lawyer in Cyprus

To be able to join the Cyprus Bar Association, you need to hold a university degree in Law. You can then initially register as a Trainee Lawyer. You can join as a trainee at any established law firm in Cyprus or the Attorney General’s office. The training period is 12 months.

On completion, the trainee will need to pass the Legal Council exams.

This exam covers a broad range of legal areas. The purpose is to enhance the knowledge of CBA members regarding the Cyprus Laws and legal procedures. To become a lawyer in Cyprus, the trainee needs to pass the following modules:

1. Constitutional Law
2. Contract Law
3. Law of Evidence
4. Torts
5. Criminal Law
6. Civil and Criminal Procedure
7. Real Estate Property Law
8. Wills and Succession Law
9. Courts of Justice / Advocates Law
10. Company & International Tax Law
11. Family Law

On successful completion, the trainee can be registered as an advocate and practice law in Cyprus.

It is also worth noting that there is no division within the legal profession. Despite the legal system being based on the English model, the distinction between solicitors and barristers is not followed. The qualification is simply a single title, either 'Cyprus Lawyer' or 'Cyprus Advocate'.

Legal services through an LLC (Limited Liability Company)

Lawyers based in Cyprus can also provide their services through an LLC company. Such a company can offer a full range of legal services to local and international clients.

European Union Lawyers

Following the country's membership in the EU, lawyers from other Member states may practice in Cyprus provided they fulfil specific criteria.

Our Law Firm

It has been licensed since 1983 and maintains its position as one of the most reputable law firms in Limassol. It is also a leading law firm in immigration, citizenship, and property law practices.

We take pride in the high standards of service we offer. Building a relationship of trust and close attention to each client's case sets the standards of the services provided.