LEBANON Trends and Developments Contributed by: Zeina Obeid and Lea Maalouf, Obeid & Partners
Although Article 83 of the Law had long permitted law- yers to establish civil professional companies (pur- suant to Articles 844 et seq. of the Lebanese Code of Obligations and Contracts), the provision lacked clear procedural and substantial guidance required for effective implementation, leaving several key aspects unregulated. The updated internal regulations have now compre- hensively addressed the gaps, providing detailed rules governing the establishment, registration and opera- tion of such companies, including provisions on prof- it-sharing, partner rights, admission and withdrawal, and liquidation. Each company acquires its own legal personality and independent patrimony, distinct from that of its partners, thereby ensuring financial and pro- fessional autonomy.
Applications for the establishment of civil professional companies are reviewed by the Bar Council member responsible for the general registry of practicing law- yers, who submits a recommendation to the President of the Bar for final decision. The President must issue this decision within one month from the date of filing the application with the Bar Secretariat, and this deci- sion may be challenged before the Bar Council within a period of one month of notification to the applicant. Official registration in the BBA’s dedicated registry of civil professional companies is now mandatory, ensur- ing greater transparency and institutional supervision. Existing law firms organised as civil professional com- panies have been granted a three-month period to adjust according to the new regulations.
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