Who can provide legal services in Northern Cyprus

Since November 1, 2023, a number of legal procedures in Northern Cyprus can only be performed by a registered and licensed lawyer. These procedures include, in particular, drafting powers of attorney and contracts, preparing wills, preparing company founding documents, and representation in arbitration and commissions. If a service from this list is provided by a person without a lawyer's license, it may have no legal effect, and the provision of the service itself is considered an offense.

• Legal services requiring a lawyer's license
• How to verify that a professional holds a lawyer's license
• Glossary
• Frequently asked legal questions
• If you need consultation on legal procedures in Northern Cyprus

Legal services requiring a lawyer's license

If your request relates to any of the items below, it is practical to immediately clarify that the work is performed by a licensed lawyer registered in Northern Cyprus.

• preparation of wills;
• preparation of powers of attorney, acts, and all types of written contracts;
• preparation of founding documents and statutes of companies, funds, and associations;
• preparation of documents for registration of trademarks, trade names, patents, copyrights, intellectual and artistic property rights;
• representation of an individual or legal entity in arbitration, arbitration courts, mediation, disciplinary, and similar commissions or councils.

How to verify that a professional holds a lawyer's license

If the service involves procedures performed by lawyers, it is practical to ensure in advance that the particular professional is indeed registered and authorized to practice in Northern Cyprus.

How to do this

1. Ask for the first and last name of the lawyer who will prepare the documents or represent your interests.
2. Clarify in which local bar association they are a member (e.g., Lefkoşa, Girne, Mağusa, Güzelyurt).
3. Check the list of lawyers on the Kıbrıs Türk Barolar Birliği website.
4. If the service is offered by a law firm, clarify which licensed lawyer is responsible for preparing and signing the documents.

Glossary

• Lawyer's license — confirmation of a lawyer's right to provide legal services within regulated legal practice in Northern Cyprus.
• Registered lawyer — a lawyer who is a member of a professional association and has the right to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Legal procedure — an action that creates legal consequences: preparation of a power of attorney, contract, will, representation in commissions, etc.
• Power of Attorney — a document by which one person authorizes another to act on their behalf within specified limits.
• Founding documents — a set of documents on the basis of which a company, fund, or association is created and operates.

Frequently asked legal questions

Can lawyers without a license provide consultations?

Yes, consulting services are possible. The restriction applies to legal procedures from the list that require the participation of a licensed lawyer (e.g., drafting powers of attorney, contracts, wills, and representation in commissions).

Can a power of attorney or contract be prepared through a "law firm" if there is no licensed lawyer?

For procedures from the list requiring a lawyer's license, it is practical to assume that documents must be prepared by a licensed lawyer. If a firm provides the service, it is sensible to clarify which licensed lawyer is responsible for preparation, signing, and submission of documents.

Where to turn for these matters, apart from lawyers?

For areas requiring a lawyer's license, you should contact licensed lawyers or law firms where the founders or partners include a lawyer with a valid license in Northern Cyprus.

What are the consequences for violating the new law?

Providing legal services in areas requiring a lawyer's license by a person without appropriate registration is considered an offense. If you order a service, it is practical to check the professional's status before starting work.

Are documents prepared by non-lawyers legitimate?

If a document is prepared within procedures that require a licensed lawyer, there is a risk that such a service will have no legal effect. In disputed cases, the assessment of consequences is usually given by a licensed lawyer for the specific situation and documents.

If you need consultation on legal procedures in Northern Cyprus

You can contact our legal partner — DeJure for consultation with a lawyer licensed in Northern Cyprus.

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