Law No. 66.23 reorganises the legal profession in Morocco and replaces Law No. 28.08. It prompted a long protest movement by lawyers, who resumed work on 7 October 2026. Beyond that professional debate, the law contains rules that directly concern clients: how fees are paid, how funds entrusted to a lawyer are handled, professional secrecy and the routes for complaints. Here is what individuals and companies should take away.
A law in force on publication
Law No. 66.23 was enacted by dahir (royal decree) of 18 August 2026 and published in the Bulletin officiel (Official Gazette). Its Article 146 provides that it takes effect on publication. It reforms access to the profession (training at a new Institut de formation des avocats, a 24-month traineeship), makes continuing education mandatory and reshapes the organisation of the bars, whose new bodies will be elected in the December following entry into force.
For clients, one practical consequence is already visible: since lawyers returned to work on 7 October 2026, court filings must carry the lawyer's national professional number.
Fees: traceable payments and numbered receipts
Fees above 10,000 DH must be paid by cheque or electronic payment. For any sum received, the lawyer issues a dated, signed and numbered receipt. The lawyer keeps a daybook and an individual account for each client, and the bâtonnier (president of the bar) inspects firms at least once a year.
A quota litis agreement, which would make the entire fee depend on the outcome of the case, remains prohibited. Additional fees may, however, be agreed to reflect the work done. Our advice: agree fees in writing at the start of the engagement, stating the amount or how it is calculated, and keep every receipt issued by the firm.
Client funds go through the bar
Each bar has a lawyers' deposit and payment account. Client funds and sums arising from the enforcement of court decisions must be deposited there: government departments, public bodies and companies pay the amounts due into it.
The account is audited by the Cour des comptes (Court of Audit), and the bâtonnier sends an annual statement of it. For clients, this arrangement improves the traceability of money owed to them, since it is held in an institutional account subject to external audit.
Professional secrecy and defence guarantees
The law strengthens guarantees that indirectly protect clients. Professional secrecy is enshrined; the bâtonnier must be informed immediately if a lawyer is arrested or taken into police custody; investigations into professional offences are handled by the public prosecutor, an investigating judge or a designated magistrate. Acts that breach confidentiality are void, and lawyers enjoy immunity for statements necessary to the defence.
Discipline, complaints and public information
Disciplinary sanctions range from a warning to striking off, including reprimand and suspension of up to three years. The bâtonnier forwards every complaint to the procureur général (chief prosecutor) within 10 days.
Advertising and canvassing remain prohibited. A lawyer may, however, have a website, with the bâtonnier's authorisation, presenting their career, areas of legal interest and publications. For the public, it is a regulated source of information that may contain neither promises of results nor solicitation.
Sources
- Médias24, 21 August 2026: « Nouvelle loi sur les avocats : ce qui va concrètement changer »
- Médias24, 20 August 2026: article on the enactment of Law 66.23
- Médias24, 6 October 2026: « Reprise des avocats : ce qui change concrètement dans leur quotidien »
Maître Mouad Lahfaia
Lawyer at the Rabat Bar
This article reflects the author's views as at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for an analysis of your particular situation.