Guyana Bar Association rejects request for U.S. attorneys to practice locally 

The Bar Association of Guyana convened a special meeting on November 28, 2024, to address a request made to the Attorney General concerning the admission of two U.S.-trained attorneys to practice law in Guyana.

The meeting, held in accordance with Rule 6(4) of the Association’s Rules, marked a significant moment in the country’s legal landscape, as it garnered the largest attendance in the history of the Guyana Bar.

The request was made on behalf of two attorneys who have been trained and certified in the United States but do not meet the criteria outlined in Section 4(1)(a) of the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap. 4:01.

This section stipulates that candidates for admission to the Guyana Bar must be nationals of a signatory state under the established legal agreement, which does not include the United States.

The consultation followed a meeting between the Honourable Attorney General and the Bar Council on November 8, 2024, where the Attorney General brought forward the request for an Order under Section 4B of the Legal Practitioners Act to allow these U.S. attorneys to practice in Guyana.

However, Section 4(1)(a) of the Act requires that applicants be nationals of a state that is part of the agreement, and as the U.S. is not a signatory, the two attorneys were deemed ineligible.

During the special meeting, the Bar Association members engaged in thorough and vigorous discussions. After careful consideration, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

1. No Change to the Law: It was resolved that no changes be made to the current legal framework for admission to practice in Guyana. The law will remain as is, with eligibility for admission strictly limited to those who meet the criteria set out in Section 4(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act.
2. Ineligibility of U.S. Attorneys: It was also unanimously agreed that the two U.S.-trained attorneys in question are legally ineligible for admission to the Guyana Bar under the current provisions of the Act.

The Bar Association expressed its appreciation to the Attorney General for providing an opportunity for consultation on this matter. The Bar Council affirmed its commitment to taking any necessary steps to ensure the resolutions are upheld, should further action be required.

This decision reinforces the Guyana Bar’s commitment to upholding the legal standards and practices set forth in the country’s legal framework, while ensuring that only qualified individuals, as defined by the existing laws, are allowed to practice in the nation’s courts.