Committees

EFAA's committees work to advance the legal profession, protect public interest, and ensure the highest standards of advocacy in Ethiopia.

Established by Law

Statutory Committees

These committees are established under Proclamation No.1249/2021 with legally defined roles and responsibilities for regulating the advocacy profession.

Statutory

Disciplinary Committee

Established under Proclamation No.1249/2021 to adjudicate disciplinary matters against advocates.

Legal Basis

Article 45-52 of Proclamation No.1249/2021

Key Responsibilities

  • Hear and determine disciplinary cases against advocates
  • Impose sanctions including warnings, fines, suspension, or disbarment
  • Ensure due process in all disciplinary proceedings

EFAA Representatives

  • • EFAA Representative 1 (TBA)
  • • EFAA Representative 2 (TBA)
  • • EFAA Representative 3 (TBA)

The Disciplinary Committee consists of representatives from EFAA, the Ministry of Justice, and the judiciary as prescribed by law.

Statutory

Examination Committee

Administers the bar examination for candidates seeking to become licensed advocates.

Legal Basis

Article 12-15 of Proclamation No.1249/2021

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and administer the bar examination
  • Set examination standards and passing criteria
  • Review and grade examination results

EFAA Representatives

  • • EFAA Representative 1 (TBA)
  • • EFAA Representative 2 (TBA)
  • • EFAA Representative 3 (TBA)

The Examination Committee includes representatives from EFAA, law schools, and the Ministry of Justice.

Statutory

Entrance & Licensing Committee

Reviews applications and grants licenses to practice as an advocate in Ethiopia.

Legal Basis

Article 8-11 of Proclamation No.1249/2021

Key Responsibilities

  • Review applications for advocate licenses
  • Verify educational qualifications and good character
  • Issue advocate licenses to qualified applicants

EFAA Representatives

  • • EFAA Representative 1 (TBA)
  • • EFAA Representative 2 (TBA)
  • • EFAA Representative 3 (TBA)

The Entrance & Licensing Committee operates under the oversight of EFAA with representatives from relevant government bodies.

Standing Committees

EFAA's nine standing committees handle the day-to-day governance and advancement of the legal profession in Ethiopia.

Membership & Licensing Committee

Oversees membership applications, license renewals, and maintains the register of practicing advocates.

Responsibilities

  • •Review and process membership applications
  • •Verify eligibility requirements for new members
  • •Maintain accurate records of all registered advocates
  • •Process license renewals and status changes
  • •Issue membership certificates and ID cards

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

Ethics & Discipline Committee

Ensures adherence to professional ethics and handles preliminary review of disciplinary matters.

Responsibilities

  • •Develop and update the Code of Professional Conduct
  • •Provide guidance on ethical issues to members
  • •Conduct preliminary review of complaints
  • •Recommend cases for disciplinary proceedings
  • •Organize ethics training and awareness programs

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

CPD & Training Committee

Manages Continuing Professional Development programs and training accreditation.

Responsibilities

  • •Develop annual CPD curriculum and requirements
  • •Accredit CPD training providers
  • •Monitor compliance with CPD requirements
  • •Organize EFAA-sponsored training programs
  • •Evaluate and approve CPD credit applications

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

Finance & Budget Committee

Oversees EFAA's financial management, budgeting, and fee collection.

Responsibilities

  • •Prepare annual budget proposals
  • •Monitor financial performance and expenditures
  • •Oversee membership fee collection
  • •Review and approve financial reports
  • •Ensure compliance with financial regulations

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

Legal Research & Publications Committee

Conducts legal research and publishes materials for the benefit of members.

Responsibilities

  • •Conduct research on legal developments
  • •Publish legal journals and newsletters
  • •Develop practice guides and resources
  • •Maintain the EFAA legal library
  • •Organize legal research seminars

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

Public Relations & Communications Committee

Manages EFAA's public image, media relations, and member communications.

Responsibilities

  • •Develop and implement communication strategies
  • •Manage EFAA's social media presence
  • •Handle media inquiries and press releases
  • •Organize public awareness campaigns
  • •Coordinate member communications

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

Women Advocates Committee

Promotes gender equality and supports women advocates in the profession.

Responsibilities

  • •Advocate for gender equality in the legal profession
  • •Develop programs supporting women advocates
  • •Address workplace discrimination issues
  • •Organize networking events for women lawyers
  • •Mentor young women entering the profession

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

Young Lawyers Committee

Supports newly admitted advocates and promotes their professional development.

Responsibilities

  • •Develop mentorship programs for new advocates
  • •Organize career development workshops
  • •Facilitate networking opportunities
  • •Address challenges facing young lawyers
  • •Promote pro bono participation

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

International Relations Committee

Manages EFAA's relationships with international bar associations and legal organizations.

Responsibilities

  • •Develop partnerships with international bar associations
  • •Coordinate participation in international conferences
  • •Facilitate exchange programs for advocates
  • •Monitor international legal developments
  • •Represent EFAA in international forums

Committee Members

9 members (To be announced)

Committee Structure

Each standing committee consists of 9 members elected or appointed according to EFAA's Internal Regulations. Committee members serve for a term aligned with the Executive Committee's tenure.

Standing Committees

  • • 9 members per committee
  • • Elected by General Assembly
  • • Report to Executive Committee

Statutory Committees

  • • Composition defined by law
  • • Include government representatives
  • • Independent decision-making