He said the UAE’s blend of efficiency and increasingly sophisticated decision-making is reshaping global perceptions of the country.
A UK barrister who became the first foreign lawyer to be admitted to the UAE Roll of Advocates said he expects more international lawyers to follow as the country’s legal system continues to handle increasingly complex cross-border family disputes.
Byron James, a partner at Expatriate Law, was officially sworn in this week after spending five years representing clients before the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, completing judicial training and passing a series of examinations.
“I absolutely think that is certain,” James told when asked whether other foreign lawyers would seek admission. “I see my role now as someone who can teach and guide those who want to follow this path.”
James said his journey began shortly after Abu Dhabi established its Civil Family Court in 2021, when he was granted special permission by the court’s president to appear before it.
Over the following five years, he regularly represented clients, studied UAE family law, authored legal textbooks and completed the requirements for formal admission.
“It wasn’t something that happened overnight,” he said. “I’ve been appearing in these courts for five years.”
The qualification process included judicial observations, examinations and practical training before Monday’s swearing-in ceremony.
Describing his admission as “an enormous privilege”, James said it was “probably the highest honour that can be bestowed on an advocate”.
While he noted that the day-to-day practical changes are limited, he said the recognition carries significant professional value.
“It’s a status thing,” he said. “It’s an endorsement by the establishment in the UAE to say this practitioner is part of our club — a very, very exclusive club.”
The qualification also gives him direct access to the court’s electronic portal, allowing him to submit applications without relying on typing centres.
