Syariah Law Associate

Syariah Law Associate at Cheok Advocates & Solicitors

Cheok Advocates & Solicitors is seeking a Syariah Law Associate for its practice in Bandar Seri Begawan. The role involves advising clients on matters before the Syariah Courts of Brunei, including Islamic family law (marriage, divorce, custody), faraid (Islamic inheritance), wakaf matters, and Syariah compliance advisory. Brunei's dual legal system — comprising common law and Syariah law under the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) philosophy — creates unique demand for lawyers qualified in both jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients before the Syariah Subordinate Court and Syariah High Court in family law matters
• Advise on Islamic marriage (nikah), divorce (cerai), maintenance (nafkah), and custody (hadhanah) under the Islamic Family Law Order 1999
• Handle faraid (Islamic inheritance distribution) calculations and estate administration
• Advise on wakaf (Islamic endowment) and zakat compliance matters
• Assist in matters arising under the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013
• Draft legal opinions on Syariah compliance for corporate and individual clients

• Handle Syariah court matters including family law and inheritance
• Advise clients on Syariah compliance and Islamic personal law
• Support the firm's dual-jurisdiction practice

• Admitted to practise in Brunei under the Legal Profession Act (Chapter 132)
• 1-3 years of post-qualification experience
• Degree in Syariah Law from UNISSA, UBD, IIUM, or equivalent institution
• Understanding of the Syariah Courts Act (Chapter 184) and the Islamic Family Law Order 1999
• Knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh) and Syariah court procedures
• Fluent in Malay and English