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The role of attorneys in the legal system of Bosnia and Herzegovina

An attorney-at-law (attorney being an abbreviated form) is a legal professional who represents and advises citizens on various legal matters. In a society based on the rule of law, attorneys have a special role – they protect the rights and interests of their clients, but at the same time they must also serve the interests of justice. Advocacy as a profession is an independent and autonomous activity that provides legal assistance to individuals (natural persons) and legal entities for the purpose of exercising their rights and legal interests.

Unlike jurists (lawyers) in general, an attorney in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a person who has passed the bar exam, is then registered in the directory of attorneys (the register of the Bar Association), has taken a solemn declaration (an attorney's oath) and has thereby acquired the right to practice law. In other words, an attorney is a licensed lawyer authorized to professionally provide legal assistance to clients.

What exactly does an attorney do in B&H?

The spectrum of services of an attorney is very wide. Attorneys provide oral and written legal advice, draft various submissions (e.g. lawsuits, appeals, requests, petitions), draft contracts, wills and other legal documents, and represent and defend parties before courts and other institutions. An attorney can also mediate in negotiations for the peaceful resolution of disputes, defend defendants in criminal proceedings, and take all other legal actions necessary to protect the rights and interests of a client. Through such diverse legal activities, the best attorneys help citizens navigate the complex legal system and achieve justice.

It is important to emphasize that attorneys practice their profession independently of the state. They are not judges or prosecutors, but private professionals organized in the Bar Association. This independence guarantees that the client has the right to freely choose an attorney and that the advocacy independently regulates its ranks, ethical rules and disciplinary liability. Thanks to this, even an ordinary citizen who hires an attorney has a professional representative who can oppose other parties or institutions in accordance with the law. In this way, a balance is ensured – the best attorney in Bosnia and Herzegovina stands by his client, but always acts within the framework of regulations and ethics in order to protect the rule of law.

Attorneys in Bosnia and Herzegovina provide legal assistance in various legal areas, and some of the most common are: Family law – divorces, inheritance law, property law –  purchase and sale of real estate, resolution of property disputes, commercial (trade) law – disputes between business entities, etc.

How to become an attorney in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Many people wonder what it takes to become an attorney. The path to becoming an attorney is long and demanding, ensuring that only qualified professionals provide legal assistance to citizens. First of all, the appropriate professional qualification is needed – to graduate from a law faculty (law school). After graduating from a law school, taking the judicial state examination follows, which is a state exam that tests your knowledge in all branches of law. Then, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter FB&H), a candidate must also pass the bar exam before the Bar Association.

In addition, additional requirements are prescribed: certain work experience in legal matters (at least two years after the judicial state examination), appropriate health condition, no convictions for certain criminal offenses, and the obligation that a candidate is not permanently employed elsewhere and that he or she has secured adequate office space. When all these criteria are met, a person acquires the right to be registered in the directory of attorneys.

Registration in the directory of attorneys is carried out by the regional bar association (in the FB&H, for example, the Regional Bar Association Sarajevo, the Regional Bar Association Tuzla, or the Bar Association of the Republika Srpska, depending on the entity and the seat of the future attorney). Upon registration, a new attorney takes a solemn declaration (oath) before a representative of the Bar Association. This declaration obliges the attorney to perform his/her duties conscientiously and professionally, in accordance with the Constitution and laws, the statutes of the bar association, and the Attorneys’ Code of Ethics. Only after taking this oath is an attorney's name entered in the official directory and he/she can begin to independently provide legal services to citizens.

This rigorous process ensures that attorneys are highly qualified professionals. For citizens, this means that every licensed attorney in B&H has years of education, training and checks behind them. When looking for a legal representative, you are able to check whether a person in question is registered as an attorney – only registered attorneys are allowed to provide legal assistance as a profession. This protects clients from unprofessional legal service providers (so-called “quack-lawyers”, unauthorized practitioners of law), and so they get provided with a guarantee of a basic level of quality and liability.

Characteristics of a good attorney

When an ordinary citizen thinks about who the best attorney in B&H is, they usually imagine a person who has the experience, knowledge, and skills to solve their legal problem. Although there is no official ranking of the best attorneys in Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar, Banja Luka, that is in B&H, there are certain characteristics and qualifications that distinguish a top-quality attorney:

• Expertise and experience: The best attorneys have a thorough knowledge of law and legal practice. They continuously improve their knowledge – they keep up with changes in regulations, new laws and case law. In fact, an attorney is obliged to constantly renew and expand their legal education, which means that they take lifelong learning seriously. In addition to theoretical knowledge, practical experience is also important: an attorney who has already worked on similar cases will more easily recognize the best strategies for a case. For example, the best attorney in Sarajevo or law firm for real estate will be the one who has worked on property disputes for years and is well-versed in the case law of B&H relating to real estate.
• Communication skills and clarity: A successful attorney is also a good communicator. This means that he or she is able to listen carefully to a client in order to understand his or her needs, but also that he or she is able to explain to a client in simple language what his or her legal situation is and what options are available. Legal terminology can be confusing to a layperson; the best attorneys will patiently interpret the "legal language" into understandable terms so that a client knows what is going on. Also, the skills of written expression are crucial - an attorney drafts lawsuits, contracts and other documents, so these documents must be clear, precise and convincing. In a courtroom, good communication means persuasive presentation of arguments in front of a judge. The best attorney in Tuzla, Mostar, Sarajevo, Banja Luka or anywhere else will be of no help to a client if he or she cannot effectively convey the essence of a case to a court and other parties.
• Analytical and creative problem-solving: Legal cases can be very complex, with many details and legal issues. A top-quality attorney has marked analytical skills – they are able to study a large amount of information, isolate important facts and apply relevant laws to a specific situation. They carefully analyze each case, looking for possible weak points in the other party’s arguments and finding the best evidence to support their claims. In addition to analysis, they are also characterized by creativity in approaching problems. Law is not always black and white; there are often more than one way to resolve a dispute. The best attorneys think “outside the box” – if standard methods do not work, they will try alternative strategies (e.g., settlement, mediation, calling in expert witnesses, creative interpretation of a law) in order to reach a solution in a client’s favor.
• Empathy and commitment to a client: Behind every legal case is a real person who cares about the outcome. That’s why the best attorney shows empathy – they understand what a client is going through and put themselves in their shoes. For example, a client facing a divorce or property dispute is often stressed and fearful; the best attorney who is compassionate will know how to provide not only legal but also moral support. Empathy also comes with a commitment to a client’s interests. The best attorneys put a client’s interests first (within the law) – they thoroughly prepare for each case, keep a client informed of progress, and are available for questions. This client-centric approach builds trust between the attorney and the client, which is extremely important when you are entrusting them with important personal or business problems.
• Integrity and professional ethics: An attorney's reputation depends largely on his or her ethics and honesty in the work. A trustworthy attorney will not make false promises to a client or exaggerate his or her capabilities. On the contrary, he or she will honestly advise the client about the realistic prospects of the case, even when the news is not the best, because it is better to be honest than to embellish the situation in order to win over the client. Confidentiality is also key – the best attorneys strictly protect all information that a client entrusts to them. This is discussed in more detail in the concept of attorney-at-law confidentiality (attorney-at-law confidentiality) later in this text about the best attorneys. Furthermore, an attorney with high integrity respects the law and the code of ethics even when under pressure. He will not resort to unauthorized means because this puts both the case and his or her reputation at risk. Professionalism is also reflected in his relationship with the opposing party and the court – a culture of behavior , punctuality, respect for deadlines, ethics and procedures. The code of ethics of attorneys obliges an attorney to maintain the reputation of the profession both in official work and in private life, which means that they are expected to set an example of dignity and respect for the rules. Clients can be sure that the best attorney who cares about ethics will not misuse their case or their money, but will work in their best interest in accordance with the law.

Attorney's fee, i.e. tariff – how much do attorney services cost in B&H?

Many clients are interested in how much it will cost them to hire an attorney in Sarajevo, Tuzla or another city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is important to know that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the prices of legal services are not arbitrary – on the contrary, they are determined by the legal fees, i.e. tariffs, established by the bar associations. In the Federation of B&H, this is the Tariff of Fees and Expenses Reimbursement for the Work of Attorneys-at-law (the so-called Attorneys' Fees), which is published in the Official Gazette and prescribes the exact price list for legal services. Similarly, the Bar Association of the Republika Srpska also has its own tariff of remuneration. These tariffs are updated periodically – for example, the FB&H Attorneys' tariff for 2025 came into force in 2025 and brought new point values and fee amounts for attorneys.

How does the attorney's tariff work in B&H? Each type of legal action or service (for example, drafting a lawsuit, appeal, representation at a hearing, legal advice, etc.) is described in a tariff and assigned a certain number of points or a fixed amount. A point is the unit of calculation on the basis of which an attorney's remuneration is calculated. The value of one point is expressed in convertible marks (KM, i.e. BAM) and can change annually. According to the latest FB&H Tariff, the value of a point is BAM 5.60. This means that if, say, 50 points are provided for a service, the attorney's tariff will be 50 × BAM 5.60 = BAM 280 (plus 17% VAT). The tariff covers various situations – from simple actions that carry a smaller number of points to complex court proceedings where a tariff can be expressed as a percentage of the value of the dispute or as a lump sum for the entire procedure. For example, writing an appeal against a verdict can be charged at 125% of the basic fee for conducting the procedure, while representation in criminal proceedings has specially determined points, etc. Such a system should ensure transparency and uniformity of collecting, i.e. charging – a client can find out in advance how much a certain legal aid costs according to the official price list.

Of course, an attorney and a client can agree on a different fee in some cases. The law allows a fee based on success (the so-called contingency fee or “percentage based on success”) to be agreed on in advance, but only in writing and within the limits of the Tariff. Thus, for example, in damage claims, i.e. compensation claims, it can be agreed that an attorney shall receive a certain percentage of the awarded amount if the dispute is successful, instead of a fixed fee.

Another important detail: an invoice and expenses. Attorney are obliged to issue a clear invoice to a client for their services upon completion of the work. An invoice should specify all the services charged according to a Tariff. This is important for a client because he or she receives a written proof of what he paid for. Even if a client makes an advance payment (down payment) before the work is completed, an attorney is obliged to issue a receipt of that advance payment and later calculate a final price. In addition, a Tariff also provides for the compensation of expenses – e.g. an attorney's travel expenses to a court outside his or her place of seat, daily wage, preparation of files, etc., which a client also covers according to the established tariff items. All this together protects clients so that they know exactly how much they are paying and for what, and gives attorneys a framework within which they can account for their work.

In practice, a responsible attorney will explain to a client at the beginning of the relationship approximately how much a procedure or service may cost, based on a Tariff and the specifics of a case. This helps the client to plan expenses and avoid unpleasant surprises. A transparent price policy is one of the signs of professionalism – the best attorney will not avoid discussing a fee, but will openly and correctly agree on the terms of representation, while respecting the prescribed tariffs.

Pieces of advice for choosing the best attorney for your needs

Fortunately, most people rarely need an attorney. But when you find yourself in a situation where you need legal help – whether it's a lawsuit, buying real estate, a divorce, defending yourself against an accusation, or any other case – it's important to choose the right attorney. The question is often asked: How to find the best attorney?

First, keep in mind that the "best attorney" depends on the context. There is not one attorney who is the best in all areas of law. The best attorney in Bosnia and Herzegovina for your case will be the one who has expertise in the area you need and whom you can trust. Therefore, if you need help with real estate issues, seek an attorney who specializes in property law; if it is a matter of divorce, seek an attorney with experience in divorce proceedings, etc. Specialization and experience in the relevant area are key criteria.

Next, pay attention to reputation and recommendations. It’s a good idea to ask friends or family if they have a recommendation for an attorney with whom they’ve had a positive experience. Of course, every situation is different, but an attorney who clients speak highly of likely has the qualities you’re looking for. Also, check the basics: whether an attorney is licensed (you can check online at the bar association website), how long they’ve been practicing, and what types of cases they’ve handled. An attorney’s website or public appearances (professional articles, seminars) can give you an idea of what areas they cover and what their approach is.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with an attorney before entrusting your case to them. During this first meeting, consider the following:

• Does the attorney listen carefully to your problem and ask questions? (Good attorneys will try to understand all the facts.)
• Does it clearly explain your legal options and next steps? (You should get a sense of what's going to happen.)
• What is his communication style and does he inspire you with confidence? (You must feel comfortable asking questions, and the attorney should act professionally and courteously.)
• Also discuss the attorney's fee: ask how he or she charges for services, according to what tariff and if he or she can give a rough estimate of the costs. A serious attorney will not avoid this topic and will be happy to explain to you the method of calculation (e.g. what is the price of drafting a lawsuit, representation at a hearing, and he or she must tell an attorney what the value of the case is because the price of the attorney's representation in court depends on it, etc.).
• Ask the attorney what the strategy would be in your case, how long a process might take, what possible difficulties are. Of course, at this initial stage, he or she may not be able to give precise answers to all your questions, but the way he or she approaches your problem says a lot about his or her expertise and interest.

Also, pay attention to the honesty and reality of the promises. Be wary if a legal representative guarantees you victory at the first meeting or makes bombastic claims that he or she is "100% sure" of success. No honest attorney will guarantee the outcome of a dispute – legal processes are uncertain and depend on many factors. Moreover, codes of professional ethics prohibit attorneys from misleading self-promotion and false promises. The best attorneys in Tuzla, Sarajevo, Mostar, i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina, will give you an objective assessment of a case: they will warn you about both weak points and risks, with of course a strategy for how to reduce those risks. Paradoxically, the best attorney in Sarajevo or in any city will often not call himself or herself "the best" – instead, his quality will be recognized through deeds, successfully resolved cases and recommendations from other clients. In the legal profession, reputation is built through years of dedicated work, not slogans or self-praise.

Finally, by choosing an attorney, you choose a partner who will fight for your interests. That is why it is important that you have confidence in that person. If after the first conversation you got the impression that an attorney is competent, understands your problem, gives you confidence and is ready to devote himself or herself to your case, then you have probably found a good legal representative.

The best attorney cannot do all areas of law

It is important to emphasize that even the best attorney in Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar or Banja Luka, or rather Bosnia and Herzegovina, cannot work equally successfully in all legal areas. Law is an extremely broad and complex discipline, so attorneys often decide to specialize in one or several related legal branches, such as criminal law, family law, property law, commercial law or labor relations. Specialization allows an attorney to gain in-depth knowledge, develop expertise and gain practical experience in a particular area, which directly affects the quality of legal assistance provided to clients.

When looking for an attorney, it is crucial to choose one who is an expert in the exact area you need. For example, an attorney who is a top expert in criminal law may not be the best choice for complex property disputes or inheritance issues. For example, our law firm does not practice criminal or misdemeanor law at all. Likewise, an attorney specializing in family law will not necessarily have the experience necessary to effectively defend serious criminal cases. That is why the best attorneys clearly highlight their areas of expertise so that a client can make an informed decision when choosing an attorney.

In conclusion, choosing the best attorney who specializes in a specific legal issue is a key step towards successfully resolving your problem. Only in this way can you be sure that your legal situation will be entrusted to an expert who possesses exactly the knowledge and skills you need for the optimal outcome of your case.

Forms of organization of the legal profession in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, legal practice can be organized in several forms: an attorney as an independent legal representative, a law firm, and a law association.

An attorney, as an independent legal representative, acts independently and independently provides legal assistance to clients in their areas of specialization.

A law firm is a form of organization where an attorney may have hired associates (professional associates and interns) who assist in performing their duties, but legal assistance is still provided directly by the attorney personally.

A law association is a form of joint practice of law, where multiple attorneys provide legal services together under a common name and share joint responsibility towards clients.

Conclusion about attorneys

The concept of the best attorney may sound like something that is easy to assess, but in reality it is reflected in a set of qualities and principles that an attorney consistently demonstrates. The best attorney in B&H for you will be the one who is an expert in the field you need, who pays attention to you and whom you can trust to protect your interests. Such an attorney respects the law and ethics, keeps your confidential information, realistically advises and guides you through legal processes, and fights for your case using his knowledge and skills to the maximum.

For citizens who rarely encounter the judiciary, it is important to understand that attorneys exist precisely to be on your side in moments when it is difficult for you to navigate legal regulations on your own. They are a bridge between an ordinary person and a complicated legal system – they explain your rights to you, represent you in court, draft documents and make sure that your rights are not lost in procedural tangles. Thanks to the independent legal profession, every citizen – regardless of whether they are in Sarajevo, Tuzla, Banja Luka, Mostar, Zenica or anywhere else in Bosnia and Herzegovina – has access to justice and can find a representative who will fight dedicatedly for their rights.

Ultimately, the best attorney is the one who, through his expertise, ethics and dedication, instills in his or her client a sense of security in legal protection. Such an attorney may not always win every lawsuit, but he or she will ensure that each case is handled conscientiously, professionally and in the best interest of a client. For the general public, the message is that you should not wait for problems to escalate – timely consultation with a good attorney can often prevent major complications. Whether you need legal advice, contract drafting or defense in court, it is good to know that there are professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina whose call is to help you achieve justice and protect your rights in the best possible way.

The best attorney, therefore, is more than a title – it's the trust you build with your legal representative and the assurance that you have a competent ally in all the legal battles that life sometimes brings.

Frequently asked questions:

Who is the best attorney in Bosnia and Herzegovina? The best attorney in Bosnia and Herzegovina depends on your specific legal problem. Choose an attorney who specializes in the legal area you need, whether it is Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar or another city.

How to find the best attorney in Sarajevo? You can find the best attorney in Sarajevo by checking specialization, experience, reputation, and recommendations from other clients. Also check the registry of the Bar Association Sarajevo.

What makes an attorney the best in Tuzla? The best attorney in Tuzla has deep knowledge, practical experience, good communication skills, analytical skills, creativity in problem solving, and high ethical standards.

How to choose the best attorney in Mostar? When choosing the best attorney in Mostar, take into account his or her expertise in a specific legal field, reputation, recommendations and communication method, and clarity about the prices of services.

How much does the best attorney in Bosnia and Herzegovina cost? The price of attorney services in B&H is regulated by an attorney tariff. On average, a price depends on the type and complexity of the legal service, and detailed costs can be found in the tariff published by the bar associations.

Can the best attorney work in all areas of law? No, even the best attorney cannot work equally well in all areas of law. It is important to choose an attorney who specializes in the area you need, such as family, property, criminal or commercial law.

What are the most common areas of law practiced by attorneys in Bosnia and Herzegovina? The most common legal areas in which attorneys work in B&H are family law, property law, inheritance law, commercial law, tax law and others.