Informative report
July 23 this year. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan came into force «On advocacy and legal assistance» (further - the Law), in accordance with Article 58 of which the initial admission fees,paid by lawyers from the date of admission to the board are prohibited.
The purpose of canceling the entry fee is to remove the property barrier,allowing access to the profession for young lawyers and increase competition between lawyers
Despite this,there are cases when colleges of lawyers of some regions demand payment of contributions from individuals, wishing to become lawyers,by substituting canceled admission fees for earmarked contributions.
We note,that the earmarked contributions are directed to material support of the bar associations,remuneration of attorneys, reimbursement of expenses,wages,related to their work in government bodies and other expenses,the establishment of which falls within the exclusive competence of the general meeting (conference) and can't be claimed from persons who first join the membership.
In our opinion, such actions of the bar associations directly contradict the provisions of the Law and are regarded as hindering individuals wishing to become lawyers, in access to the profession.
Ministry of Justice in order to implement the provisions of the Law and regulation of problematic issues in the field of advocacy, a commission was set up from among representatives of authorized organizations and non-governmental organizations.
On the facts of improper demand by collegiums of lawyers of targeted or other contributions,we recommend that you apply the Ministry of Justice by contacting the following numbers: 8 (7172) 740676, 740783, 740617.