About us
Our international work
We provide practical support, information and advice for firms working abroad, or solicitors exploring opportunities overseas, and lobby on key issues affecting solicitors' interests.
In November 2007 we launched the International Division, a voluntary membership arm of the Law Society. It is dedicated to providing a service tailored to law firms, solicitors and foreign lawyers seeking to develop their international business and build global relationships and profile.
Our international role includes:
- working closely with governments and Bar Associations in other countries to open new markets for lawyers
- protecting solicitors' interests when new legislation or professional rules are being implemented abroad
- organising trade missions to key jurisdictions and hold events that promote a greater international awareness of the services solicitors can provide
- representing solicitors abroad through professional organisations that lobby on behalf of lawyers, or provide networking opportunities
- lobbying the European Union institutions on proposals for EU legislation
- lobbying for human rights, both in terms of developments in law, and on individual breaches of human rights.
Keep up to date with the latest developments by signing up for our newsletters on international, EU and human rights issues.
Our work in the EU
One of the first Law Societies to have a Brussels presence, the Law Society of England & Wales established its Brussels Office in 1990. The Law Society of Scotland joined the office in 1993 followed by the Law Society of Northern Ireland in 2000. The roles of the Brussels Office are:
- to raise awareness of EU law and of opportunities in Europe amongst solicitors
- to monitor developments in EU law and to ensure that they are compatible with the UK legal system
- to promote UK law and to open new markets for solicitors
- to protect solicitors' practice rights in the EU
The services provided by the Brussels Office to solicitors and firms include:
Our work in international development and human rights
We believe that the legal profession in general and solicitors, specifically, have a clear role to play in championing the values and concepts of justice, fairness, equity and legitimacy. We aim to promote the values and principles that underpin the legal profession by supporting the legal profession in upholding the rule of law, advocating access to justice and promoting and protecting human rights.
Read more about our projects
Find out how you can get involved
Register for our human rights e-newsletter