International

The International Secretariat is the principal point of contact for enquiries relating to the international relations of the Bar Council with jurisdictions in other countries and for information on the international activities of the Bar Council including the work of the International Committee. The International Committee and Secretariat work to promote both the interests of the Bar and the rule of law abroad.

The Bar Council has close links with bar associations in other countries and is a member of the Council of European Bars and Law Societies, the International Bar Association, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the International Criminal Bar. There are links to the websites of these and other international organisations in the Practical Advice, Guidance and Help section of this site. The Bar Council also monitors developments at the European institutions in Brussels and promotes the interests of the Bar in Brussels through our Brussels Office.

Advice for Barristers Wishing to Practise in Foreign Jurisdictions

In addition to its international policy function the International Relations Secretariat can provide contact details of bar associations in jurisdictions outside England and Wales for barristers seeking rights of audience or other practice rights there. Barristers wishing to practice internationally should in particular refer to the International Practice Rules. More information is contained in the "The Bar Handbook 2009-2010", available from Lexis Nexis.    

Advice for Foreign Law Students and Lawyers Wishing to Study or Practice in England and Wales

The Bar Standards Board regulates foreign law students wishing to study in and foreign lawyers wishing to practice in England and Wales. Barristers and lawyers who have qualified in other jurisdictions including other countries wishing to practice in England and Wales should refer to Information on how to transfer to the Bar or contact the Bar Standards Board (BSB).  Students or barristers from either the UK or overseas seeking information on pupillages in the UK and Europe should refer to Education and Training or contact the Bar Standards Board (BSB). 

For all enquiries related to international relations and international practice issues please contact Christian Wisskirchen, Head of International Relations. 

International Resources.  For international news and information on forthcoming events and opportunities please refer to International News.

  • “A Brief Guide to Using a Barrister”, available in English (PDF or Word), Mandarin (PDF) and Arabic (PDF) . Hard copies are available from the Bar Council. 
  • "Barristers in the International Legal Market", is a publication which was created for the 2009 Annual IBA conference in Madrid. It contains information on the services barristers provide, a list of the Specialist Bar Associations and advertisements from participating chambers,  
  • The Bar Guide is an annual brochure produced in co-operation with the American Lawyer Magazine, which explains in some more detail the advantages for foreign clients of working with barristers.  It also contains a concise guide to instructing a barrister.