UK Law Society Seeking Global Practice Rights

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

07 July 2006

The UK's Law Society announced ahead of the opening of the Doha WTO talks in Geneva that it would press for its members to be allowed to practice in a range of key jurisdictions in Asia, the US and South America.

It explained that:

"England & Wales has one of the most open markets for legal services in the world and the Law Society can therefore lead by example and demonstrate to other Bars and Law Societies the positive benefits of allowing other legal practitioners to enter the market."

Fiona Woolf, Law Society Vice President, recently wrote to EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, who is responsible for representing all 25 EU nations in trade negotiations, on the matter.

She stated that:

“We are hopeful that the current round will provide greater market openings. The Law Society will be asking for its members to be allowed to practice in a range of key jurisdictions in Asia, the US and South America."

"At present, restrictions range from total prohibitions on non-nationals being able to practise through strict nationality or residency conditions to less obvious restrictions, such as a ban on hiring or entering into partnership with local professionals. The Law Society will continue to work constructively with negotiators towards a positive outcome for English and Welsh solicitors."

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