Bhutan’s transition from a largely insular Himalayan kingdom to a modern constitutional democracy has brought significant institutional change. Among the most notable developments is the evolution of its legal system and the steady emergence of a professional legal community equipped to support governance, economic growth, and rule of law in a changing national and international context.
To cultivate the next generation of Bhutanese lawyers specialized in both Bhutanese and international legal systems, Bhutan inaugurated its first law school in 2017—the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law (JSWLaw). This institution, the first of its kind in Bhutan, has already produced three batches of law graduates who are now actively working in various governmental organizations, banks, and private legal firms across the country. Admission into Bhutan's premier law school is a stringent process, requiring applicants to have excellent Class XII marks, including at least a 60 in Dzongkha and English. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate exceptional skills in logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension, as assessed by a nationwide Law School Admission Test-Bhutan (LSAT-Bhutan). Prospective students must also undergo a face-to-face oral interview conducted in both English and Dzongkha. Each year, around 800 students apply to JSWLaw, but only approximately 25 are admitted.
The legal profession in Bhutan has been steadily growing. Although modest in size compared to its neighbors, Bhutan now boasts around 320 certified lawyers, with about 130 actively practicing. Most of these legal professionals work for the government, serving as prosecutors or advisors to various agencies. However, the landscape is evolving with a growing presence of private law firms.
In Bhutan, only Bhutanese citizens are permitted to practice law. International lawyers and firms are not allowed to practice in the country. Lawyers practicing in Bhutan, known as Jabmi in Dzongkha, must pass the Bar exam conducted by the Bar Council of Bhutan.
To be admitted to the Bar in Bhutan, a Jabmi must satisfy a comprehensive set of statutory and professional requirements, including: (1) being a Bhutanese citizen, as only nationals are permitted to practice law in the Kingdom; (2) being a person of proven integrity, good character, and sound reputation, reflecting the ethical standards expected of legal professionals; (3) not being of unsound mind or suffering from any mental infirmity that would impair the ability to practice law; (4) not having been adjudged bankrupt, thereby demonstrating financial responsibility; (5) not having been convicted of any criminal offense resulting in a sentence of imprisonment; (6) holding legal qualifications that are formally recognized and approved by the Jabmi Tshogdey of Bhutan; and (7) having successfully passed the Bar selection examinations, which assess the candidate’s legal knowledge, competence, and readiness to practice law in Bhutan.
The future of Bhutan’s legal profession is closely tied to institutional capacity building, legal education, and ethical practice. With a limited but highly selective pipeline of law graduates and a rigorous bar admission process, the profession remains tightly regulated, ensuring high standards of competence and integrity. As Bhutan continues its measured modernization, lawyers are expected to play a critical role in policy development, regulatory implementation, and safeguarding constitutional values.
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Basnet Attorneys & Law (Bhutan) is a full-service law firm based in Thimphu, Bhutan, providing legal services across dispute resolution, corporate and commercial law, regulatory compliance, strategic legal advisory, and foreign direct investment (FDI) matters. Our firm advises clients at the intersection of law, business, and public policy, offering practical, solution-oriented counsel grounded in a strong understanding of Bhutanese law and institutions.
We regularly assist domestic businesses, foreign investors, international companies, and development organizations in navigating Bhutan’s legal and regulatory framework. Whether advising on complex transactions, representing clients in disputes, or supporting long-term market entry strategies, our lawyers combine technical expertise with local insight to deliver effective and reliable legal support.
With a commitment to professional integrity, clarity, and results, Basnet Attorneys & Law serves as a trusted legal partner in Bhutan’s evolving legal and economic landscape.
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