The Egyptian Bar Association held a ceremony on Saturday to swear in new members, led by Dr. Abdelhalim El-Attar, the head of the association and president of the Arab Lawyers Union. The event took place at the headquarters of the Bar Association's club in Cairo's Maadi district. El-Attar welcomed the new members, emphasizing that after taking the oath, they would be considered full-fledged lawyers with associated rights and responsibilities.
El-Attar discussed the efforts being made to reform the Bar Association, stating that the current council faces significant resistance and attempts to hinder progress. He emphasized that the council is working to address accumulated issues and improve services for members. This includes dealing with long-standing problems and enhancing the quality of services provided to lawyers.
The issue of increased annual membership fees was addressed, with El-Attar clarifying that the decision was made by the General Assembly in December 2025. The assembly voted on a package of decisions related to membership fees, pensions, and union dues. Key decisions included raising the minimum pension to 2000 pounds and the maximum to 4000 pounds, with a 5% annual increase starting in January 2027.
Additional decisions made by the General Assembly included a 100-pound increase in annual membership fees for the pension fund, effective from 2027, and adjustments to the stamp duty on legal documents. The assembly also voted to increase the registration fee for the Lawyers' Institute to 5000 pounds and to replace the previous auditor with new ones.
El-Attar emphasized that the General Assembly, not the Bar Association's council or individual leaders, made the decisions regarding increased membership fees. He stressed that these decisions reflected the will of the members and were not imposed unilaterally. El-Attar also announced plans to convene a meeting with the Bar Association's council and branch leaders to discuss the General Assembly's decisions.
The Bar Association is working to reform its healthcare project and increase contributions to support lawyers' treatment. El-Attar noted that the association's resources are generated through its own efforts and that developing services requires efficient management and allocation of these resources. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to refine membership lists based on accurate documentation.
El-Attar advised new members to join law firms for practical training and to develop their legal knowledge and professional skills. He stressed the importance of selecting a suitable firm for training and of continuous reading and learning to enhance their expertise. El-Attar encouraged new members to pursue advanced studies, maintain a professional demeanor, and adhere to legal ethics.
Key points
- The Egyptian Bar Association has swayed in new members and addressed key issues, including increased membership fees and improved services.
- The decisions regarding increased membership fees were made by the General Assembly in December 2025.
- The Bar Association is working to reform its healthcare project and increase contributions to support lawyers' treatment.
