Advokatuuri

Advokatuuri is the genitive form of the Estonian word advokatuur, which refers to the national bar association and self-regulatory body for lawyers in Estonia. The organization is commonly known in Estonian as Eesti Advokatuur, and in English as the Estonian Bar Association. It functions as an independent professional body that represents lawyers, oversees the regulation of the legal profession, and promotes the rule of law.

The Advokatuur's core responsibilities include admitting new members to the profession, maintaining the official register of practicing lawyers, and establishing and enforcing codes of professional ethics. It also oversees disciplinary proceedings for breaches of conduct, provides guidance and support to practitioners, and organizes continuing legal education and training. In addition, the Advokatuur represents the legal profession in dialogue with state institutions, the judiciary, and international bodies.

Governance typically consists of a council and an elected president or chair, with members serving terms defined by the organization’s statutes. While it operates independently from the government, it cooperates with public authorities such as the Ministry of Justice and the courts to ensure professional standards and access to justice.

Historically, the modern Advokatuur emerged after Estonia regained independence in the early 1990s, as the legal profession reestablished its self-regulation within a new legal framework. Today, Eesti Advokatuur participates in international bar associations, including the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), and contributes to discussions on legal reform and professional ethics in Estonia and Europe.