Editorial Radio Panama. President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen sanctioned the law that stipulates that new lawyers must pass a professional and ethical knowledge exam to obtain suitability.
The exam is free and will be applied by the Fourth Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice.
It is prohibited to exercise the profession of lawyer through corporations or other companies of a commercial nature.
President Cortizo Cohen sanctioned the law in an official act that took place in the Yellow Room of the Presidential Palace. The document was also signed by the Minister of Government, Roger Tejada.
For the first time in 38 years, the Law that regulates the profession of lawyer is modified. This new norm repeals Law 9 of April 18, 1984 (which to date regulates the profession), establishing as a new requirement the approval of a professional exam to obtain the suitability of lawyer.
In addition, the other requirements to be a suitable lawyer in Panama are maintained: having Panamanian nationality and possessing a university degree of Law Degree or Degree in Law and Political Sciences issued by an official or private university. In the event that the diploma is issued by a university abroad, the document must be revalidated by the University of Panama.
President Cortizo Cohen pointed out that this new law “should contribute to reinforcing the principles that must prevail in the client-attorney relationship. The practice of law has the challenge of adapting to the new realities of the changing world”.
According to the President of the Republic, the Law “demonstrates the progress and commitment of Panamanian lawyers with society, ethics and the regime of Law and justice in our country.”
The professional exam for access to the practice of law will be applied by the Fourth Chamber of General Business of the Supreme Court of Justice, according to a previously established agenda, and for its approval, a minimum score stipulated in advance will be required.
The applicant who fails to pass the exam may take the next call.
The law also establishes sanctions for the crime of illegal practice of law. In addition, it is prohibited to practice as a lawyer through corporations or other companies of a commercial nature.
Lawyers who work as regular officials, legal advisors or consultants in any State or municipal agency may not manage before the same entity or official agency in which they provide their services.
August 9 is established as Lawyer’s Day, commemorative date of the birth of Dr. Justo Arosemena. The law comes into effect 3 months after being promulgated in the Official Gazette.
The ruler Cortizo Cohen sanctioned the new law, after the National Assembly accepted the Executive’s recommendations after a partial veto of some articles of the initial project.
