Cautious reactions over women lawyers in courts
JEDDAH: There are mixed opinions after the minister of justice indicated Saudi women lawyers could be allowed in courts for the first time.
Mohammed Al-Eissa told reporters on Saturday that his ministry would allow women lawyers to argue family cases including those involving divorce and child custody, subject to the implementation of a new bill.
They would also be allowed to complete certain procedures without a witness.
The bill will be issued in the coming days as part of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s plan to develop the justice system.
“In accordance with the new law, women will be able to complete their preliminary procedures by just presenting their IDs,” Ministry of Justice official Osama Al-Mirdas told Arab News.
Currently, women lawyers practice their jobs in two different ways. They could meet with their clients before preparing the case and handing it over to a male colleague to take to court. The alternative is for the lawyer to become the client’s legal guardian and argue the case that way. Lawyers need three years of practice before they are given a license.
Danya Abul-Ola has been practicing law for two years now and wonders if the Ministry of Justice will count her existing service if the bill is implemented.
“It would be unfair to start all over from zero. And I would want the ministry to be clear on this point.
“Arrangements should have been made between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice to guarantee jobs for female lawyers after graduation.” Currently, women who have graduated with a law degree can work in court and government offices, but cannot present cases before court.
Which was the reason why Hawaze Samman did not pursue law even though she has a relevant degree.
Samman is far away from being a lawyer and now works for a private company as she faced difficulties in finding a job in the legal field.
“ I applied to almost every legal office in Jeddah and they all rejected my application. Because I’m a girl and there is no future for me as a lawyer, I had to apply somewhere else,” she said.
She said she has hope now because the bill is likely to be implemented.
“I would start applying again, it’s only normal for someone to work in their own field.” Women law students are also looking forward to this bill, as they want a guaranteed job and professional training.
“I’m glad this issue has been raised now before we graduate. We need to be assured of a future career in the legal field,” said one student at Dar Al-Hekma.
“My office is willing to hire and train female lawyers as soon as the Ministry of Justice implements this bill,” said lawyer and legal consultant Adel Sagga.
