Lawyers and advisers in Mauritius
Find proven, recommended lawyers and advisers in Mauritius. Mauritius has a mixed legal system, with civil law inspired by the French Code Napoléon and court procedure inspired by English law. Its legal profession has three branches, barristers, attorneys-at-law and notaries, listed by the Supreme Court of Mauritius. Compare the profiles below and contact an adviser directly.
The most represented practice areas in Mauritius are Corporate, Commercial & M&A, Banking & Finance and Dispute Resolution & Litigation. Use the filters below to narrow by specialism or practice area, or search by name or firm.
Frequently asked questions
What legal system does Mauritius have?
Mauritius inherited a mixed legal system from French and British rule. Its civil law, now the Code Civil Mauricien, was inspired by the French Code Napoléon and covers areas such as contracts, property and successions, while procedure in the civil and criminal courts is English-inspired. The Supreme Court has unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters, with final appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. The Supreme Court records that French stopped being the ordinary language of the courts in 1847.
How do I check that a lawyer is qualified in Mauritius?
The Supreme Court of Mauritius publishes an online Legal Professional search on its website, listing barristers, attorneys-at-law and notaries with their dates of admission or call to the Bar. Admission to any of the three branches of the profession is governed by the Law Practitioners Act, which requires vocational training and an examination. The Supreme Court also has power to hear disciplinary complaints about the professional conduct of law practitioners, so check the name of your adviser against the official list.
What is the difference between a barrister and an attorney in Mauritius?
Mauritius keeps separate branches of the legal profession: barristers, attorneys-at-law and notaries. The Supreme Court gives a practical example: to start divorce proceedings, you contact an attorney (avoué) to file the petition, and you are represented at the hearing by a barrister (avocat). Steps such as lodging an appeal are also done through an attorney-at-law. For a court case in Mauritius you may therefore need to instruct both an attorney and a barrister, so ask how the work will be shared.
How much does a lawyer cost in Mauritius?
Lawyers usually charge by the hour or agree a fixed fee for a defined piece of work, and the cost depends on the complexity of your matter and the experience of the adviser. Ask for a written estimate and the terms of engagement before any work starts. If your case is in the Supreme Court, the taxing of costs is one of the duties of the Master and Registrar, an officer of the court, so ask your attorney how costs could be awarded or recovered.
Do I need a local lawyer or adviser in Mauritius if I am based abroad?
Not always, but it usually helps. Domestic companies are incorporated through the Corporate and Business Registration Department, and a domestic company must have at least one resident director and a registered office address. If there is no local resident, an investor's permit from the Economic Development Board is needed. Business disputes can be heard by the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court. A local adviser can handle much of this remotely by email and video call.
How do I contact a lawyer or adviser in Mauritius through Corporate INTL?
Open any profile on this page to see the contact details the firm has provided, such as telephone, email and website. Every profile also has a "Contact via Corporate INTL" button if you would rather send your request through us.