Moroccan lawyers divided over new legal profession law

Lawyers in Morocco are facing internal divisions and escalating tensions following the publication of Law No. 66.23, which regulates the legal profession. The new legislation was published in the Official Gazette on August 20, 2026, after a controversial legislative process.

Abderrahim El Jamai, former president of the Rabat Bar, has called on the Association of Bar Associations of Morocco to end the current work stoppage and return to courts. He warned that continued protests might no longer be an effective tool for changing the law and could instead threaten the unity of the profession and the interests of litigants.

Conversely, the Federation of Associations of Young Lawyers of Morocco has urged professionals to continue their “existential combat.” The Federation is calling for a total suspension of professional services and legal aid, while suggesting a boycott of upcoming professional elections to demonstrate rejection of the current law. They argue the legislative process bypassed established consensus and was influenced by narrow political considerations.