Briefing on Group Law Practice – “Amalan Undang-Undang Berkumpulan” (Melaka)

Description

The Bar Council Small Firm Practice Committee, together with the Malacca Bar Committee, is organising a briefing for Members regarding the Legal Profession (Group Law Practice) Rules 2018 (“Rules”), which permit small law firms to practise and operate through a Group Law Practice (“Amalan Undang-Undang Berkumpulan”).

Please refer to Circular No 166/2018 dated 6 July 2018, entitled “Legal Profession (Group Law Practice) Rules 2018 Came into Operation on 30 June 2018”, for information regarding the Rules. A copy of the Rules (in Bahasa Malaysia and English), which came into operation on 30 June 2018, is accessible here.

The Rules allow small law firms to practise and operate as a group by sharing premises and facilities while remaining as separate entities. For such firms, this would be an attractive and cost-effective option, and enable them to be more
competitive in practice.

1. The features of a Group Law Practice would include the following: A Group Law Practice shall consist of between two to five
   small law firms. A small firm is one with not more than five advocates and solicitors, and that does not have branches;
2. A Group Law Practice is not a legal entity, is not operated as a partnership, and cannot have a branch;
3. The firms in a Group Law Practice are to operate from a shared premises at a common address, and may share facilities such as a library, furnishings and equipment;
4. A Group Law Practice shall bear a name that has been approved by the Bar Council, and which includes the words “Group Law Practice” or “Amalan Undang-Undang Berkumpulan”.
5. The law firms in the Group Law Practice shall use the
   Group Law Practice name, along with the law firm’s name,
   in their operations; and
6. The firms in the Group Law Practice may operate a
   common bank account to meet the common expenses of
   the Group Law Practice. Each firm shall maintain its own
   office account and its client accounts.

This briefing will provide information to Members regarding the Rules, features of a Group Law Practice, and procedure to set up a Group Law Practice. It will also provide the Small Firm Practice Committee an opportunity to exchange views and ideas with Members of the Bar, especially from small law firms.