DIFC Courts Part I and Part II Registration: What Is the Difference?

The DIFC Courts maintain a Register of Legal Practitioners with two distinct parts. Understanding that difference matters to both those instructing counsel and practitioners considering cross-border work.

Part I: law firms conducting proceedings

Part I registration applies to law firms. Under the published DIFC Courts guidance, an appropriately registered firm and its authorised lawyers may issue and conduct proceedings, including filing court documents and corresponding with the Registry as permitted by the applicable rules.

Part II: individuals with rights of audience

Part II registration is held by an individual practitioner and concerns oral advocacy before the DIFC Courts. The scope of rights of audience can differ between practitioners, and registration may be provisional or otherwise subject to applicable requirements. It must not be described as an unrestricted licence to practise law in Dubai.

Importantly, the DIFC Courts’ guidance explains that a Part II practitioner may appear without a Part I firm on the record in appropriate circumstances, but is not generally authorised to file documents for the client or correspond with the Registry unless directed otherwise.

What this means for instructions

A clear division of responsibility should be agreed from the outset: who is on the record, who prepares and files documents, who conducts correspondence and who has the necessary rights of audience for any hearing. Parties should also check the current registration status, professional obligations and any permissions necessary for the particular matter.

David Danagher BL is an Irish barrister whose DIFC Courts registration is under Part II. This does not represent that he operates a separately licensed Dubai law firm or holds Part I registration.

Official resource: DIFC Courts Guidelines for Registration of Legal Practitioners.

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