International
The Bar Council represents barristers on the international stage. We promote the Bar’s world-class legal services to lawyers in different jurisdictions. We work to expand barristers’ access to new markets. We act as thought leaders alongside our fellow bar associations worldwide. And we stand up for the rule of law. Our work runs along these lines:
- Business development – we showcase and promote barristers’ services via international visits to jurisdictions where there’s emerging appetite for working with the Bar. Through conferences, training and meetings with law firms, we showcase the expertise of barristers and the value they can add to home legal teams. Crucially, we work to enhance the Bar’s visibility not only in relation to commercial services and arbitration but wider areas such as family, crime and public international law.
- Enhancing paths for trade – we look into market access barriers that barristers face when offering their services to international clients, and we work with bar associations and regulators as well as the UK government to widen opportunities based on reciprocity.
- Thought leadership in a global profession – we actively engage with the bar associations and law societies of other jurisdictions, as well as international associations, to share ideas and best practice to strengthen the legal profession. And we drawn on the international insights we gain to guide barristers in England and Wales on navigating international practice.
- Standing up for the rule of law – we speak out on threats to lawyers and judges, working with peer bar associations. The rule of law depends on a strong legal profession that can act independently. We are passionate advocates for the Convention for the Protection on the Profession of Lawyer, a game-changing legal instrument in the quest to ensure that lawyers worldwide can practice free from threats, harassment or undue interference. And our annual Rule of Law Lecture gives a platform to leading lawyers, judges and academics from around the world who are working at the heart of rule of law issues.
How chambers and SBAs can get involved in the Bar Council’s international work
There are various opportunities for specialist bar associations (SBAs) and chambers to become involved in international activities, including:
- Sponsoring seminars and receptions for incoming delegations of overseas lawyers
- Advertising in international business development brochures
- Hosting overseas lawyers in chambers as part of one of our exchange schemes, including the Anglo-Dutch Exchange
To find out more about international relations and international practice issues, and how you can get involved, contact a member of the International Policy team.
The International Committee
The International Committee consists of up to 30 members who have significant knowledge of overseas jurisdictions, and represent many practice areas.
International newsletter
