Law Firms and Practicing Lawyers in Bhutan

For centuries, Bhutan remained a secluded and traditional Buddhist kingdom nestled high in the Himalayas. In recent years, however, this small mountain nation has begun to embrace the outside world, developing steadily while preserving its rich cultural heritage. One notable area of progress is Bhutan's legal system and the emergence of legal professionals.

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 300 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, a Jabmi must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Be a Bhutanese citizen.
2. Be a person of integrity, good character, and reputation.
3. Not be of unsound mind or have a mental infirmity.
4. Not be adjudged bankrupt.
5. Not have been convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to imprisonment.
6. Have legal qualifications recognized by the Jabmi Tshogdey of Bhutan.
7. Have passed the Bar selection examinations.

One of the leading private law firms in Bhutan is Basnet Attorneys & Law, located in the capital city of Thimphu. This firm is renowned for its highly experienced Bhutanese lawyers who possess an in-depth understanding of the country's laws. They assist clients in navigating Bhutan's legal system to achieve favorable outcomes in various legal matters.

What sets Basnet Attorneys & Law apart is its partnerships with major international law firms in countries like India, the United States, Germany, and others. This collaboration enables them to support global companies from India, China, Switzerland, and more, conducting business in over 100 countries worldwide. Basnet's expertise in Bhutanese law has even led major international banks to seek their advice on legal issues related to Bhutan, establishing them as a trusted name in the region's legal circles.

As this once remote kingdom continues to develop, proficient Bhutanese lawyers and law firms like Basnet Attorneys will play a crucial role in blending the old traditions with new global changes and realities.