The new rules that come into effect on 1st January 2012 mark one of the major reforms of the legal profession in the Republic of Moldova. Before that date any person (even without any legal education or professional training) could act as a counsel in civil cases in courts of all levels in the country, including the Supreme Court of Justice of the Republic of Moldova. The requirement for lawyers acting in the court to be members of the Bar previously only existed in criminal cases.

Following recent modifications into the Code of Civil Procedure, starting with the 1st of January 2012, only lawyers who are members of the Bar, will have the rights to represent clients in courts in civil cases. One major exception is made for in-house counsels who are not members of the Bar to represent in courts their employers.

The new rules are expected to raise the standards of legal representation in civil cases in Moldovan courts and to consolidate legal profession in Moldova.