General Practice Law at Panama
General Practice Law in Panama operates under a civil law system, with legal principles largely derived from the Napoleonic Code. Panama's legal framework is influenced by both Spanish civil law traditions and certain aspects of Anglo-American law, especially in commercial matters due to its importance as an international business hub. Lawyers in Panama provide a wide range of services, from corporate law to family law, criminal defense, real estate transactions, and more.
⚖️ 1. Legal System in Panama
Type: Civil law system
Legal Sources:
Constitution of Panama – The foundational legal document that establishes the structure of the government and guarantees individual rights.
Civil Code – Regulates personal and property relationships, contracts, and obligations.
Criminal Code – Governs criminal offenses and procedures.
Commercial Code – Deals with commercial transactions, business activities, and corporate governance.
Labor Code – Regulates employment relationships, workers' rights, and labor disputes.
Treaties and International Law – Panama has signed numerous international agreements, influencing areas like trade, taxation, and human rights.
🧑⚖️ 2. General Practice Areas
General practice lawyers in Panama handle a wide range of legal issues for individuals, businesses, and organizations.
🔹 Civil Law
Property and real estate matters (e.g., buying, selling, leasing)
Contract law (drafting and disputes)
Torts (personal injury, defamation, negligence)
Family law (divorce, inheritance, child custody)
🔹 Commercial & Corporate Law
Company formation (Panama corporations, LLCs, partnerships)
Commercial contracts and agreements
Mergers and acquisitions
Banking and finance law (Panama is a global financial center)
🔹 Criminal Law
Criminal defense in local and international cases
White-collar crime (fraud, embezzlement)
Drug offenses and organized crime
Appeals and post-conviction relief
🔹 Labor Law
Employment contracts, disputes, and termination
Severance pay, workers' compensation, and social security
Labor unions and collective bargaining
🔹 Real Estate & Property Law
Title searches, real estate transactions, and deed registration
Landlord-tenant disputes
Zoning and development laws
Foreign property ownership (in specific areas and under certain conditions)
🔹 Immigration & Residency Law
Work visas, residency permits, and permanent residency applications
Naturalization and citizenship processes
Immigration compliance for businesses and expatriates
🔹 Tax Law
Corporate and personal tax planning and compliance
Taxation on foreign income, VAT, and customs duties
Tax dispute resolution and advice
🏛️ 3. Court System
Panama’s court system is structured as follows:
Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) – The highest court, primarily handling constitutional and appeals cases.
Appellate Courts (Tribunales de Apelaciones) – Hear appeals from lower courts.
First Instance Courts (Juzgados de Primera Instancia) – The starting point for most civil, criminal, and commercial cases.
Specialized Courts – Includes labor courts, family courts, and electoral courts.
Administrative Courts – Deal with disputes involving government regulations and actions.
🎓 4. Becoming a Lawyer in Panama
Law Degree: Obtain a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an accredited university in Panama.
Legal Internship: Gain practical experience, often through internships at law firms or government institutions.
Bar Admission: After completing the law degree, graduates must register with the Panama Bar Association (Colegio Nacional de Abogados de Panamá) to practice law.
Specialization: Many lawyers in Panama specialize in specific areas like corporate law, real estate, or criminal law, but general practitioners handle a variety of legal matters.
💬 5. Language of Legal Practice
Official Language: Spanish (All legal proceedings, documents, and contracts are conducted in Spanish).
English: Due to Panama's international trade and business environment, some lawyers also provide services in English, especially in commercial and real estate matters.
💼 6. Legal Practice Structure
Solo Practitioners: Common for general practice lawyers, particularly in smaller towns or for individual clients.
Small to Medium Law Firms: Handle a variety of legal matters, often with some specialization (e.g., family law, corporate law, real estate).
Large Law Firms: Typically specialize in corporate, international business, and finance law, particularly in Panama City.
In-House Counsel: Many large corporations in Panama (especially in banking, shipping, and trade) hire in-house lawyers for legal compliance and advice.
💸 7. Legal Fees & Legal Aid
Legal Fees: Lawyers in Panama generally charge by the hour, on a fixed-fee basis, or a contingency fee (especially for personal injury or commercial litigation).
Legal Aid: Panama has legal aid services available through the National Institute of Legal Aid (Instituto de Defensa Pública). Legal aid is provided for those who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, particularly in criminal and family law matters.
📌 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal System | Civil law system with elements of commercial law |
| Key Areas | Family, criminal, business, real estate, immigration |
| Regulatory Body | Panama Bar Association (Colegio Nacional de Abogados) |
| Court Structure | Supreme Court, Appellate Courts, First Instance Courts |
| Bar Admission | Law degree + internship + Bar registration |
| Language | Spanish (English widely used in business law) |
| Legal Aid | Available for certain cases, provided by the government |
| Lawyer Titles | Abogado/Abogada (Lawyer) |
RELATED Blog
0 comments