Belize's Legal Eagles: What Are Lawyers Called In This Central American Country?

Lawyers in Belize are called attorneys or lawyers. Belize's justice system is based on English Common Law, with the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and magistrates' courts. The legal profession in Belize is regulated by the Legal Profession Act, Chapter 320, which sets out the requirements for admission to the Belize Bar and practice in the country. U.S.-educated attorneys must complete a one-year post J.D. program and obtain a Certificate of Legal Education (CLE) before they can be admitted to the Belize Bar.

Belize's legal system

The judiciary is headed by the Chief Justice, who oversees the administration of justice in Belize and handles wills and probate. The Chief Justice is appointed by the Governor-General, who acts on the advice of the Prime Minister after consulting with the Leader of the Opposition. The Chief Justice is assisted by two other judges, known as Puisne Judges.

The legal profession in Belize is regulated by the General Legal Council (GLC), established under the Legal Profession Act Chapter 320. The GLC is chaired by the Attorney General and includes the President of the Belize Bar Association and four other lawyers selected by the Bar. The GLC handles complaints against attorneys and can impose punishments ranging from restitution and reprimand to suspension and disbarment.

While US-educated attorneys can practice in Belize, they must first complete a one-year post J.D. program and obtain a Certificate of Legal Education (CLE) from select Caribbean law schools. The legal profession in Belize is concentrated in Belize City, and attorneys must be members of the Belize Bar Association to practice law in the country.

Becoming a lawyer in Belize

Attorneys in Belize are called "attorneys-at-law". Here is a guide on how to become a lawyer in Belize:

Education

To become a lawyer in Belize, one must first obtain a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. This can be done by attending a local or foreign university that offers this program. Some common study options include the University of the West Indies, Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, and the University of Belize.

Legal Education Certificate

After obtaining an LLB, aspiring lawyers must complete a one-year post-graduate program to obtain a Certificate of Legal Education (CLE). This can be done at the Norman Manley School of Law in Jamaica or the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.

Citizenship

Belizean citizenship is a requirement for admission to the bar in Belize. Foreign lawyers can re-qualify and gain full admission to the local bar if their expertise and home law compatibility are recognized by the Supreme Court.

Admission to the Bar

Individuals must apply to the Supreme Court to be admitted to practice law in Belize. They must satisfy the court that they meet one of the following criteria:

• They are a Belizean citizen and hold a Legal Education Certificate.
• They have obtained adequate training in the law and are suitably qualified and competent to practice law in Belize.
• They possess suitable practical experience and competence and are qualified to practice law in any country that the Chief Justice, after consultation with the Council, designates as having a sufficiently analogous system of laws, and they are of good character.

Licensing

Once admitted to the bar, lawyers must obtain a Practising Certificate from the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Belize. This certificate is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Employment

Attorneys-at-law in Belize may practice in sole practice, in partnerships, or in limited liability partnerships. Most lawyers and law firms are concentrated in Belize City.

Ethical Standards

The Chief Justice, together with the General Legal Council, prescribes the standards of conduct for legal practitioners in Belize. The General Legal Council is established under the Legal Profession Act Chapter 320 of the Laws of Belize and handles complaints about unethical lawyers.

US lawyers in Belize

Lawyers in Belize are called attorneys or barristers.

US lawyers can practice in Belize, but they must first complete a one-year post J.D. program and obtain a Certificate of Legal Education (CLE) from either the Norman Manley School of Law in Jamaica or the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago. This is a necessary step before they can be admitted to the Belize Bar and practice in the country.

US-educated attorneys can also be admitted to the bar in Belize if they are found to be competent to practice law in the country, though this is rare. The majority of government-salaried lawyers who work in Belize as magistrates, judges, and prosecutors are from other British Commonwealth countries, such as Guyana, India, Trinidad, and Britain's former African colonies.

There are some law firms in Belize that have lawyers licensed in both the US and Belize, such as Wrobel & Co.

Belize's top law firms

In Belize, lawyers are referred to as attorneys or barristers. Here is an overview of Belize's top law firms:

Arguelles & Company LLC

Arguelles & Company LLC is a Belize City-based law firm that offers legal services in real estate, offshore, and intellectual property law. The firm was recognised as the 2023 Country Winner by The Lawyers Global. The firm's contact number is +501 223-0088.

Marcel Cardona Cervantes & Co.

Marcel Cardona Cervantes & Co. is a law firm headquartered in Orange Walk, Belize. The firm was recognised as the 2023 Country Outstanding by The Lawyers Global.

Estevan Perera & Company LLP

Estevan Perera & Company LLP is a full-service law firm located in Belize City, Belize. The firm offers legal services in commercial and corporate/business law, International Business Companies, and trademark and patent law. Estevan Perera & Company LLP was recognised as the 2nd 2023 Country Outstanding by The Lawyers Global. The firm's contact number is +501 223-2323.

Wrobel & Co.

Wrobel & Co. is a law firm based in Belize. The firm was recognised as the 3rd 2023 Country Outstanding by The Lawyers Global.

Courtenay Coye LLP

Courtenay Coye LLP is a full-service law firm based in Belize City, Belize. The firm's five lawyers have a combined 70 years of experience in the legal field. Courtenay Coye LLP was recognised as the 4th 2023 Country Outstanding by The Lawyers Global. The firm's contact number is +1 501 223 1476.

Glenn D. Godfrey & Co LLP

Glenn D. Godfrey & Co LLP is a full-service law firm established in 1979 and located in Belize City, Belize. The firm serves clients worldwide, with a focus on corporate finance, business law, and trademarks. Glenn D. Godfrey & Co LLP was recognised as the 5th 2023 Country Outstanding by The Lawyers Global. The firm's contact email is [email protected].

Areas of practice

In Belize, lawyers are called attorneys or attorneys-at-law.

Attorneys in Belize often practice in the following areas:

• Corporate and commercial law
• Banking and finance law
• Intellectual property law
• Real estate law
• Civil litigation
• Criminal law
• Family law
• Immigration law
• Probate and succession law
• Employment law
• Contract law
• Insurance law
• Tax law
• International business law
• Environmental law
• Construction law
• Planning law
• Government relations
• Divorce law
• Financial settlements
• Debt collection
• International law
• Maritime law
• Offshore law

Frequently asked questions