About Us

About Us

The Zanzibar Law Society (ZLS) is the statutory bar association of Zanzibar, established as a body corporate under the Zanzibar Law Society Act No. 7 of 2019. ZLS represents the advocates of Zanzibar — currently between 300 and 400 practising and non-practising members, based predominantly in Unguja — and exists to uphold the rule of law, maintain professional standards, and protect the public interest in the administration of justice across Unguja and Pemba.

Our Establishment

The Act was assented to by H.E. Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, on 21 October 2019, giving the Society perpetual succession and a common seal. Prior to this Act, ZLS operated as a registered civil society under the Societies Act No. 6 of 1995.

Founding Legislation

Act No. 7 of 2019

Assented 21 October 2019

Assented 21 October 2019

Signed into law by the President of Zanzibar, formally establishing ZLS as the statutory bar association.

1999—Public records identify 1999 as ZLS;s organizational starting point. The era created the professional platform from which the society's statutory role later developed.

2019—Act No. 7 of 2019 established the current statutory framework. It clarified the society's legal identity, objects and institutional affairs.

2026—By February 2026, the supplied roll recorded 1,484 cumulative admissions; ZLS separately reported about 500 registered members. This era added professional Secretariat and perner-facing delivery.

Our objectives

Uphold the Constitution

Uphold the Constitution of Zanzibar and advance the rule of law and the administration of justice.

Professional Standards

Ensure that all advocates who practise law or provide legal services in Zanzibar meet appropriate standards of learning, professional competence, and professional conduct.

Legal Education & Training

Facilitate the acquisition of legal knowledge by members and ancillary service providers, including paralegals, through high standards of legal education and training.

A Transformed Profession

Facilitate a transformed legal profession that is cohesive, accountable, efficient, and independent.

Equal Opportunities

Establish mechanisms for equal opportunities for all advocates in Zanzibar.

Consumer & Public Interest

Protect and promote the interests of consumers of legal services and the public interest, through a fair, effective, efficient and transparent complaints procedure.

Practice Beyond Zanzibar

Promote the advocates of Zanzibar to practise beyond Zanzibar.

Peace & Unity

Maintenance of peace, unity and tranquility.

Rule of Law

Maintenance and advancement of constitutionalism, justice and the rule of law.

Access to Justice

Facilitation of access to justice for all.

Public Interest

Protection of the public interest.

Integrity

Maintenance of integrity and professionalism.

1500 +
Registered Advocates
2019
Established (Act No. 7)
2
Islands Served
Our Founding Legislation

Read the Zanzibar Law Society Act, 2019

Download the Act (PDF)

About

The Zanzibar Law Society is the statutory bar association of Zanzibar, established under the Zanzibar Law Society Act No. 7 of 2019 to uphold the rule of law and advance justice in Zanzibar.