Law & Professional Associations
The Jordanian Bar Association: Organization, Competences and Membership Procedures
An overview of the Jordanian Bar Association’s foundation and institutional structure, its objectives and powers, and the requirements and procedures for lawyer membership. The summary addresses election procedures, the competences of the council and general assembly, financial oversight and remedies against association decisions.
Updated: 12 September 2022
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Establishment and Organizational Structure
The Bar was established in the mid‑20th century and possesses legal personality and financial independence. Its institutional framework comprises a General Assembly of registered lawyers and an elected Council (including the President/Bar Chair and council members for fixed terms). In practice the President represents the association before judicial and administrative bodies, while internal bylaws allocate duties, delegation and signature authority among officers. Note that trainee lawyers do not participate in General Assembly sessions under the applicable rules.
Objectives and Professional Functions of the Association
The Association’s objectives include defending lawyers’ interests and the profession’s dignity, fostering legal thought, and providing professional and social services to members (such as pensions, health care and assistance). It also organises professional cooperation and legal aid for those unable to pay. Procedurally, the Bar establishes committees and internal rules to resolve professional disputes and determine fees when no written agreement exists, which shapes conduct and fee‑setting practices among members.
Admission Procedures and Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must apply in person and submit documentary evidence (authenticated educational certificates, a recent certificate of conduct, a sponsoring/training letter when applicable, identity and family documents, and other papers depending on the origin of the degree). Statutory conditions include educational qualifications, minimum age, residency and nationality requirements, completion of the prescribed training period, and prohibition on current state employees or members of another bar joining. The Council is empowered to verify suitability and to maintain and update the list of recognised universities and institutes.
Governance, Meetings and Remedies
The General Assembly elects the Bar President and Council under specified voting procedures, and both the Assembly and Council convene in regular and extraordinary sessions subject to quorum and formal notice rules. The Council exercises administrative and disciplinary powers and issues implementing regulations. Certain Council and Assembly decisions may be appealed to the competent court under statutory limits and timeframes (the law sets objection periods that vary by decision type and claimant). Stakeholders should observe these appeal rules and procedural prerequisites before initiating judicial review.
Financial Resources and Oversight
The Bar’s funding stems from registration and annual practice fees, service charges, fines, donations, and prescribed percentages of lawyers’ income and court‑awarded fees. The Council is responsible for revenue collection, drafting the annual budget for Assembly approval, and overseeing expenditures, with withdrawals authorised by the President and the Treasurer. In practice spending must conform to budget appropriations, the bylaws set cash retention limits and bank deposit arrangements, and exceptional circumstances may permit temporary continuation under the prior budget until the Assembly meets.
Legal notice
Notice: The foregoing is a general, educational description based on the original source linked on the page. It does not substitute for review of the official legal texts or for advice from a licensed lawyer to verify applicable laws, amendments and procedural deadlines.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.