5.4 Functions of the Nepal Bar Council

The Nepal Bar Council is the statutory regulatory body of the legal profession, created by the Nepal Bar Council Act 2050 (1993). Its principal functions:1. Enrolment and licensing of advocates — maintaining the register; issuing licences to practise before district courts, High Courts and the Supreme Court (graded classes of advocates);2. Conducting the licensing examination — a qualifying examination for registration as an advocate;3. Fixing qualifications for enrolment (law degree, practical training, character);4. Recognition of legal education — recognising law degrees for professional enrolment, and overseeing standards through its legal-education committee (the Legal Education Council function);5. Disciplinary control — enforcing the Advocates' Code of Conduct: warning, fine, suspension or cancellation of licences; hearing appeals from disciplinary decisions of its committees;6. Framing and revising the Advocates' Code of Conduct;7. Protection of the profession — safeguarding advocates' rights, dignity and working conditions, and the independence of the Bar;8. Welfare and development — welfare funds, training, continuing legal education for advocates;9. Promotion of legal aid and access to justice, including pro bono culture (see 5.6–5.7);10. Liaison with courts, government and the Nepal Bar Association on the administration of justice.(Distinguish: the Bar Council regulates the profession (licensing/discipline); the Nepal BarAssociation is the professional association (elected leadership of advocates, advocacy andwelfare). The two are routinely confused — a favourite short question.)