Introduction
In the Philippines, the practice of law is defined in the celebrated case of Cayetano
vs Monsod ....any activity, in or out of court, which requires the application of law,
legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience. To engage in the practice of
law is to perform those acts which are characteristics of the profession. Generally,
to practice law is to give notice or render any kind of service, which device or
service requires the use in any degree of legal knowledge or skill. 2
1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Practice_of_law#History_and_future
2 http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1991/sep1991/gr_100113_1991.html
A. Asia
1. Japanese Law
The early law of Japan is believed to be heavily influenced by Chinese law.
Little is known about Japanese law prior to the seventh century, when the Ritsuryo
was developed and codified. This was due to the willingness of the Japanese to
borrow aspects of the culture of continental civilizations, which was achieved
mainly via adjacent countries such as the Korean kingdoms rather than directly
from the Chinese mainland empires. The early modernization of the Japanese law
was primarily based on continental European legal systems and lesser AngloAmerican elements. At the beginning of the Meiji Era, European legal systems
especially the civil law of Germany and France were the primary models for the
Japanese judicial and legal systems. After the Second World War, the Japanese
legal system underwent major reform under the guidance and direction of
Occupation authorities. American law was the strongest influence, at times
replacing and at times overlaid onto existing rules and structures. The Constitution,
criminal procedure law, and labor law, all crucial for the protection of human
rights, and corporate law were substantially revised. Therefore, the Japanese legal
system today is essentially a hybrid of continental and Anglo-American legal
structures, with strong underlying "flavors" from indigenous Japanese and Chinese
characteristics. While historical aspects remain active in the present, Japanese law
also represents a dynamic system that has undergone major reforms and changes in
the past two decades as well. 3
3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Japan#Historical_Developments
services, preventative legal services, and also corporate legal services as in-house
counsel.4
2. Chinese Law
Chinas current legal system began around 1978, after the political and social
upheaval of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Two primary goals of the new
system were to ensure that the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution would not repeat
itself, and to attract foreign investment so China could advance economically.
Since 1979, China has implemented hundreds of laws and regulations and has
grown into the worlds second largest economy. In 1980, there were around 200
lawyers. Today, it is estimated that there are around 600 law schools and 220,000
lawyers. Before the 1990s lawyers were considered state workers; since then, they
have been allowed to form private firms. It is estimated today that there are 20,000
law firms; and around 200 foreign law firms in
China.5
a. Chinese Practice of Law
The mission of lawyers is to achieve the objective specified in state laws
through the practice of law. Article 1 of the Lawyers Law states that the mission of
lawyers is to maintain the lawful rights and interests of the parties to a suit and
maintain proper implementation of law. These two objectives are mutually
complementary because the maintenance of lawful rights and interests is consistent
4 http://www.nichibenren.or.jp/en/about/judicial_system/attorney_system.html
5 http://digitalcommons.tourolaw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=2371&context=lawreview
with the maintenance of the right implementation of law. Chinese lawyers play an
independent role in lawsuits. They do not belong to courts or procuratorates, nor do
they belong to their clients. They participate in lawsuits in order to maintain the
legal rights and interests of their clients. They are independent. They enjoy not
only rights of an ordinary participant in a lawsuit, but also rights compatible with
the exercise of the duties of a lawyer. 6
The contemporary practice of law in China is full of daily ritual. No doubt
this is the case in other countries as well. What distinguishes Chinas rituals are
their bases in ancestor veneration, traditional Chinese medicine, Confucian,
Buddhist, and Daoist thought. Five prime rituals are tea drinking, banqueting,
drinking alcohol, napping, and singing karaoke. Tea drinking reflects Daoist
alignment with nature and purity and Buddhist reflection. It highlights Confucian
genteelness and hospitality. The teahouse was a traditional Chinese venue for
dispute resolution. Communal banqueting and drinking have their origins in
ancestral worship. By first offering food and alcohol to ancestors and other spirits,
shared food and drink became the means for sharing blessing and prosperity.
Harmonizing the five flavors, or hewei, was a traditional Chinese metaphor for
governance. Today, eating and drinking are still venues for fostering harmony,
guanxi, and negotia ing contracts. The afternoon nap shows Daoist influence,
which honors nonaction (wuwei). This is especially important for balancing hard
mental work with rest in order to achieve maximal qi. Karaoke after work, where
both soloists and the group sings, emphasizes further the primacy of harmony. By
singing songs together that evoke different eras, different geographies, including
foreign countries, the singers are empowered to be unified in purpose, but also in
defining the past, present and future. The ancient Book of Rites records the sages
6 http://www.china.org.cn/english/Judiciary/31275.htm
efforts to achieve justice and virtue through music. These five rituals should not be
taken for granted or ignored. However, especially eating and drinking alcohol
should be practiced without excess. Practiced properly these rituals do invoke
virtue, harmony, communion, balance, and wholeness. These are essential for
pursuing justice. Those of us outside of China can consider these and other rituals
as well in the practice of law. 7
B. Islamic States
1. Saudi Arabia
Based on Sharia, Islamic law derived from the Qu'ran and the Sunnah
(the traditions) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The sources of Sharia also
include Islamic scholarly consensus developed after Muhammad's death. Its
interpretation by judges in Saudi Arabia is influenced by the medieval texts of the
literalist Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence. Uniquely in the Muslim world,
Sharia has been adopted by Saudi Arabia in an uncodified form. This, and the lack
of judicial precedent, has resulted in considerable uncertainty in the scope and
content of the country's laws. The government therefore announced its intention to
codify Sharia in 2010, but this is yet to be implemented. Sharia has also been
supplemented by regulations issued by royal decree covering modern issues such
as intellectual property and corporate law. Nevertheless, Sharia remains the
primary source of law, especially in areas such as criminal, family, commercial and
contract law, and the Qu'ran and the Sunnah are declared to be the country's
7 http://digitalcommons.tourolaw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=2371&context=lawreview
constitution. In the areas of land and energy law the extensive proprietorial rights
of the Saudi state (in effect, the Saudi royal family) constitute a significant feature.8
a. Saudis' Practice of Law
As stated in Article 11 of the Code of Law Practice 2011 "A lawyer shall
practice the profession in accordance with the Shari'ah and laws in force. He shall
refrain from any act that compromises the dignity of the profession and shall
comply with the relevant rules and instructions."9 The Code states 18 articles in
connection with how a lawyer should practice law in Saudi Arabia and it is
principally taken from Shari'ah Law and deeply connected with Islam. In the strict
sense the practice must conform with their religious law.
8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_system_of_Saudi_Arabia
9 http://www.saudiembassy.net/about/countryinformation/laws/CodePractice01.aspx
10 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Arab_Emirates#Law
Islamic Sharia is the main source of the meaning of the practice of law in the
Union. Clients must always be advised that UAE courts will pass judgment
according to Sharia in the absence of a provision of UAE law covering the issue on
which they are in front of the courts. That said, the federal government has been
successful in its attempt to blend the interpretation of Sharia with the customs and
policies of non-Muslim expatriates while, at the same time, maintaining the
integrity and values the founders intended. 11 However some authors state that the
practice of law in UAE is liberal due to the lack of real regulations. 12 Based on the
sources, the practice of law in UAE means that every action of a Lawyer must all
be based on the Shari'ah Law and Islam. The religion dictates the action thus
equates to its meaning.
C. Tribal Jurisdictions
1. Native American Tribes
There are over 550 federally recognized Native American Tribes and
these tribes has their own laws as well as they have their own tribal courts and
tribal attorneys. Traditionally, Indian tribes had leaders and representatives for
internal and external matters. By tribal lawyer, we mean a lawyer who
represents an American Indian tribe. This definition excludes federal government
lawyers who often work on Indian law matters, both for and against tribes, but are
formally representing the United States. It also excludes, for the most part, lawyers
11 http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/defining-shariasrole-in-the-uaes-legal-foundation#ixzz3HnBqSrAc
12 http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/lack-of-regulationleads-to-a-free-for-all-in-legal-practices
for individual Indians, unless those individual Indians are elected tribal leaders
whose participation in litigation actually signifies the tribes participation. Tribal
lawyers can be American Indian or not, and we comment below on some of the
particular issues raised by this question of identity. We should say at the outset that
there are now thousands of lawyers working for Indian tribes and we cannot name
all of them or describe the work of each.
a. Native American Practice of Law
Indian tribes often come to legal representation with different baselines
namely a complicated relationship with the rule of law, and core interests held by a
group with particular cultural values that reveal certain limitations of the Rules as
they apply in the attorney-tribal client relationship. Tribal Lawyers are sovereignty
warriors. On the basis of these sources, the practice of law in a tribal jurisdiction is
mainly for protecting, saving, representing the interest and well being of the whole
tribe as well as keeping peace within the tribe. It also includes heaving lifting,
advocating, counseling, and negotiation functions. This obligation is the obligation
to help heal the injustice and wrong-doing, the broken social, legal, political, and
economic systems within our communities, and the injuries inflicted by
colonization. Lastly, the preservation of values and customs of the whole tribe. 13
2. African Tribes
Law in Africa is uncodified which has been practiced by the
indigenous communities. It is known as the Customary law which is defined as an
established system of immemorial rules evolved from the way of life and natural
13 http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2255205
wants of the people, the general context of which was a matter of common
knowledge, coupled with precedents applying to special cases, which were retained
in the memories of the chief and his councilors, their sons and their sons' sons until
forgotten, or until they became part of the immemorial rules. 14
a. African Tribal Law Practice
Mainly the practice of law in Tribes in Africa is no different from the tribes
in America. However the distinction is that there are tribal lawyers in Native
American tribes while tribes in Africa has none. People in these tribes when there
are existence of conflicts is that they represent themselves in a tribal council or
infront of the tribes chieftain. African indigenous justice system employs
restorative and transformative principles in conflict resolution. African indigenous
justice systems support offenders by persuading offenders to understand and accept
responsibility for their actions. African indigenous justice processes and
procedures respect and protect the rights and interests of victims, offenders, and the
community. It empowers victims, offenders and the community, as primary
stakeholders in a conflict to actively and meaningfully participate in the
identification, definition of harm and the search for restoration, healing,
responsibility and prevention. 15
14 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customary_law_in_South_Africa
15 http://www.isrcl.org/Papers/2004/Elechi.pdf
to practice law; (B) rendering legal consultation or advice to a client; (C) appearing
on behalf of a client in any hearing or proceeding or before any judicial officer,
arbitrator, mediator, court, public agency, referee, magistrate, commissioner,
hearing officer, or governmental body which is operating in its adjudicative
capacity, including the submission of pleadings; (D) appearing as a representative
of the client at a deposition or other discovery matter; (E) negotiating or
transacting any matter for or on behalf of a client with third parties; or (F)
receiving, disbursing, or otherwise handling a client's funds. (2) For purposes of
the practice of law prohibition for attorneys suspended solely for the non-payment
of fees and for inactive attorneys, "practice of law" is defined as it is in
subparagraph (b)(1) of this rule, except that these persons may represent another to
the extent that a layperson would be allowed to do so.
2. Arkansas The Bear State
Arkansas Bar Association v. Block, 323 S.W.2d 912 (1959).
Research of authorities by able counsel and by this court has failed to turn up any
clear, comprehensible definition of what really constitutes the practice of law.
Courts are not in agreement. We believe it is impossible to frame any
comprehensive definition of what constitutes the practice of law. Each case must
be decided upon its own particular facts.--The practice of law is difficult to define.
Perhaps it does not admit of exact definition.
'As the term is generally understood, the practice of the law is the doing or
performing services in a court of justice, in any matter depending therein,
throughout its various stages, and in conformity to the adopted rules of procedure.
But in a larger sense it includes legal advice and counsel, and the preparation of
legal instruments and contracts by which legal rights are secured
although such matter may or may not be depending in a court.' Quoting In the case
of Eley v. Miller, 7 Ind. App. 529, 34 N. E. 836. Baron v. Los Angeles, 2 C.3d 535,
86 C.R. 673, 469 P.2d 353 (1970). The Legislature adopted the state bar act in 1927
and used the term 'practice law' without defining it. The conclusion is obvious and
inescapable that in so doing it accepted both the definition already judicially
supplied for the term and the declaration of the Supreme Court (in Merchants') that
it had a sufficiently definite meaning to need no further definition. The definition
above quoted from People v. Merchants' Protective Corp. has been approved and
accepted in the subsequent California decisions (citations), and must be regarded
as definitely establishing, for the jurisprudence of this state, the meaning of the
term 'practice law." (People v. Ring (1937) supra. 26 Cal.App.2d Supp. 768, 772,
70 P.2d 281, 283.)
4. Connecticut The Constitution State
State Bar Association of Connecticut v. Connecticut Bank & Trust Co., 140 A.2d
863, 870 (1958)
The practice of law consists in no small part of work performed outside of any
court and having
no immediate relation to proceedings in court. It embraces the giving of legal
advice on a large
are either obtained, secured or given away, although such matters may not then or
ever be the subject of proceedings in a court. We think that in determining whether
the giving of advice and counsel and the performance of services in legal matters
for compensation constitute the practice of law it is safe to follow the rule that if
the giving of such advice and performance of such services affect important rights
of a person under the law, and if the reasonable protection of the rights and
property of those advised and served requires that the persons giving such advice
possess legal skill and a knowledge of the law greater than that possessed by the
average citizen, then the giving of such advice and the performance of such
services by one for another as a course of conduct constitute the practice of law.
7. Wisconsin The Badger State
On November 8, 2002, the Wisconsin State Bar Board of Governors approved a
recommendation to petition the supreme court to appoint a committee to develop
proposed rules for the court's consideration and action that define the practice of
law and establish a system to administer the program.
WISCONSIN STATUTES ANNOTATED COURTS CHAPTER 757. GENERAL
PROVISIONS
CONCERNING COURTS OF RECORD, JUDGES, ATTORNEYS AND
CLERKS
WI ST 757.30 Penalty for practicing without license
(2) Every person who appears as agent, representative or attorney, for or on behalf
of any other person, or any firm, partnership, association or corporation in any
action or proceeding in or before any court of record, court commissioner, or
judicial tribunal of the United States, or of any state, or who otherwise, in or out of
court, for compensation or pecuniary reward gives professional legal advice not
incidental to his or her usual or ordinary business, or renders any legal service for
any other person, or any firm, partnership, association or corporation, shall be
deemed to be practicing law within the meaning of this section.
8. Wyoming The Equality State
Rules of the Supreme Court of Wyoming Providing for the Organization and
Government of the Bar Association and Attorneys at Law of the State of Wyoming
Rule 11. Attorneys right to practice law.
(a) Practice of law means advising others and taking action for them in matters
connected with law. It includes preparation of legal instruments and acting or
proceeding for another before judges, courts, tribunals, commissioners, boards or
other governmental agencies.
9. Washington The Evergreen State
WASHINGTON COURT RULES PART I. RULES OF GENERAL
APPLICATION GENERAL RULES, GR 24
Definition of the Practice of Law
(a) General Definition: The practice of law is the application of legal principles and
judgment with regard to the circumstances or objectives of another entity or
person(s) which require the knowledge and skill of a person trained in the law. This
includes but is not limited to:
(1) Giving advice or counsel to others as to their legal rights or the legal rights or
responsibilities of others for fees or other consideration.
Although "the practice of law" has not been exactly defined, an "ordinary reader"
would understand that certain services, when performed on someone else's behalf,
are part of such practice. Such services would include not only appearing in court,
but also drafting complaints, drafting or negotiating contracts, drafting wills,
counseling or giving advice on legal matters, and many other things. In Utah State
Bar v. Summerhayes & Hayden, Public Adjusters, 905 P.2d 867 (Utah 1995), this
court, while noting that "what constitutes the practice of law in any given situation
requires a case-by-case decision," stated: The practice of law, although difficult to
define precisely, is generally acknowledged to involve the rendering of services
that require the knowledge and application of legal principles to serve the interests
of another with his consent. It not only consists of performing services in the courts
of justice throughout the various stages of a matter, but in a larger sense involves
counseling, advising, and assisting others in connection with their legal rights,
duties, and liabilities. It also includes the preparation of contracts and other legal
instruments by which legal rights and duties are fixed. Id. at 869-70 (citations
omitted). Further, when such services are performed for a fee, it is even more likely
that they constitute the practice of law. In Nelson v. Smith, 107 Utah 382, 154 P.2d
634 (1944), this court stated that "[t]he practice of law, though impossible of exact
definition, involves the carrying on of the calling of an attorney usually for gain. "
Id. at 389, 154 P.2d 634. The court further stated that an element of the practice of
law is "the rendering of legal service or the giving of legal advice to another
usually for gain." Id. at 390, 154 P.2d 634. Proposed H.B. 349 (Passed March 5,
2003 To Take Effect, May 3, 2004 - Pending Governors signature March 20,
2003)
PRACTICE OF LAW AMENDMENTS
2003 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
This act defines the practice of law and states that only persons admitted by the
Supreme Court may practice law in this state. This act affects sections of Utah
Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
ENACTS: 78-9-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah: Section 78-9-101 is repealed
[May 1, 2003] May 3, 2004. Section 2. Section 78-9-102 is enacted to read:
78-9-102. Practice of law defined -- Who may practice.
(1) The term "practice law" means appearing as an advocate in any criminal
proceeding or before any court of record in this state in a representative capacity
on behalf of another person.
(2) Only persons who have been admitted by the Supreme Court of this state to
practice law may practice or hold themselves out as licensed to practice law in this
state.
(3) A person may not use "J.D.", "Esq.", "attorney", or "attorney-at-law" on
business cards, signs, advertisements, or official documents as those terms are used
to indicate status as an attorney, unless licensed to practice law.
23-3-101. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Law business"
means the advising or counseling for a valuable consideration of any person, firm,
association, or corporation, as to any secular law, or the drawing or the procuring
of or assisting in the drawing for a valuable consideration of any paper, document
or instrument affecting or relating to secular rights, or the doing of any act for a
valuable consideration in a representative capacity, obtaining or tending to secure
for any person, firm, association or corporation any property or property rights
whatsoever, or the soliciting of clients directly or indirectly to provide such
services; and (2) "Practice of law" means the appearance as an advocate in a
representative capacity or the drawing of papers, pleadings or documents or the
performance of any act in such capacity in connection with proceedings pending or
prospective before any court, commissioner, referee or any body, board, committee
or commission constituted by law or having authority to settle controversies, or the
soliciting of clients directly or indirectly to provide such services.16
16 http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/migrated/cpr/modeldef/model_def_statutes.authcheckdam.pdf
III. Conclusion
PRACTICE OF LAW
BY:
La Verne Ryan Carlo A. Abad
Problem Areas in Legal Ethics
BIBLIOGRAPHY