Vietnam: Commune Leaders Gain Authority to Fine Lawyers Under New Decree

A new decree, Nghị định 109 năm 2026, has been issued by the Vietnamese government, significantly altering the landscape of administrative penalties, particularly concerning legal professionals. Effective from May 18, this decree clarifies the authority of various administrative bodies, including commune-level People's Committee chairpersons, in imposing sanctions.

Under the new regulations, these local officials are now empowered to penalize lawyers for administrative infractions. The scope of these penalties ranges from simple warnings to monetary fines reaching up to 25 million Vietnamese Dong. Furthermore, the decree allows for more stringent measures, such as the temporary suspension of a lawyer's practice license or other professional certifications.

The decree also outlines specific penalties for lawyers' professional organizations. These include fines for failing to report accurately or on time to authorities, organizing training sessions improperly, or not adhering to regulations regarding the supervision of trainee lawyers. The government's aim appears to be a more robust regulatory framework for the legal profession, ensuring compliance and professional standards across the board.