Lawyers are plentiful in Puerto Rico. In addition to legal work,
lawyers are the only group authorized to do notary public work in
Puerto Rico. Rates for some notary public work are established by
law. Any other fees are generally a matter of negotiation and/or
shopping around for the most convenient.
The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico''s "Junta Examinadora de Aspirantes al Ejercicio de la Abogacía" validates candidates to the practice of law. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, must have completed a bachellor's degree from an accredited university followed by graduation from an equally accredited law school. Bar exams are offered twice a year, in March and September.
Those who approve the bar examination and comply with additional requirements, are admitted to practice law in Puerto Rico's judicial system. The judicial system is based upon Spanish Law,
which is different in essence from English Law upon which is based
the United States judicial system. The Puerto Rico system comprises a
district court, a superior court, an appelate court and, ultimately, the Puerto Rico
Supreme Court.
Another examination is offered to qualify attorneys for the practice of notary public work.
Still another examination is required of attorneys who wish to practice before the federal district court for Puerto Rico.
Decisions of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court may be
appealed through the Federal District Court for Puerto Rico and,
ultimately, to the U.S. Supreme Court. Those attorneys who wish to practice law in Federal (USA) judicial system must approve yet another bar exam for that purpose.
Attorneys are listed in the Yellow Pages of the various
Puerto Rico telephone directories under Abogados. Attorneys are usually addressed as "Licenciado" (or its abbreviations, "Lic or Lcdo".
The Puerto Rico Bar Association(Colegio de Abogados de Puerto Rico)
is a compulsory association that includes all lawyers on the island.
It is a likely source of preliminary information such as getting in
touch with a lawyer specialized in a particular subject of law.
It is also the place to file complaints if you ever run into
difficulties in your dealings with a particular attorney.
Colegio de Abogados de Puerto Rico
PO Box 9021900,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-1900
Ave. Ponce de León 808, Miramar, Puerto Rico
Telephone 787-721-3358, FAX 787-725-0330
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Website: http://www.capr.org/ |
If you cannot find the information you need, CONTACT US and we will try to help you find it.
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