Morocco Requires Psychiatric Evaluation for New Lawyers, Sparking Controversy

Unprecedented in the practice of the legal profession in Morocco! From now on, to become a lawyer at the Moroccan bar, any candidate is required to provide a medical certificate duly signed by a psychiatrist and attesting to a normal state of health.

This new document, which is added to the other documents required in any application file, including the medical certificate, has sparked a wave of anger and indignation among trainee lawyers. They refuse to submit to this examination, which they consider degrading and unique in the world, and intend to have this measure removed by the Bar Council.

It was indeed taken into account, following numerous cases in which lawyers were deemed mentally unfit to intervene. Similarly, some clients had to withdraw their case after considering them incapable of handling it.

Within the profession, the decision would have been motivated by the many cases of depression experienced by lawyers, which would have led them to commit suicide. Law students who are destined for this profession and trainees are therefore warned.