Developing new markets

'Becoming a member of the Law Society's International Division has proved very worthwhile. It has been very supportive of our continued focus on emerging markets such as China, in relation to which we have shared local knowledge and contacts, as well as hosting delegations to the UK.'
Stephen Houston, international team leader, Addleshaw Goddard

The Law Society is a major player on the international legal stage and we use our influence to create opportunities for, and provide support to, solicitors and law firms from England and Wales operating in markets overseas.

We lobby the government and regulators in the UK to ensure that their actions do not adversely affect the competitiveness of the legal sector here compared with those in other jurisdictions.

Opening new markets overseas

Our lobbying work has helped to open new markets for solicitors across the world. In recent years we have made important advances in Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore and our market opening efforts continue in these and other key jurisdictions including India, Malaysia, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria and Russia. India has been the focus of particular effort.

Trade missions

We organise trade missions to key jurisdictions around the world enabling solicitors to take advantage of networking and business development opportunities. Recent missions have been organised to Los Angeles, Nigeria and Germany. Planned missions include Argentina, Ukraine, Ghana, China and Russia.

Lisbon Treaty guide

The EU is a rich source of business. Our guide to the Treaty of Lisbon proved invaluable to solicitors, policy makers and parliamentarians alike, and received praise from many quarters.

International Division

The International Division is designed to help lawyers and law firms develop their international business and build global relationships and profile. We have recently negotiated reciprocal membership of the American Bar Association Section of International Law for International Division members.

Supporting developing legal systems

The Law Society has carried out externally funded project work for many years, working in partnerships with bar associations, nongovernmental organisations and overseas governments to deliver schemes that support the rule of law and access to justice and encourage economic development. Our work on the Nigeria Law Project is now in its eighth year. The project aims to develop a duty solicitor scheme in 15 states to provide free legal representation to those held on remand in prison.

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