A post-Brexit agreement to smooth the path for UK lawyers hoping to practise in Belgium has been reached by the respective professional bodies
UK and Belgium Bar and Law Society leaders signed a memorandum of understanding last week with the aim of simplifying the requalification procedures for UK lawyers.
Currently, Belgian lawyers can provide legal services other than reserved legal activities in the UK and practise arbitration, conciliation, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. They can also employ, be employed and partner with UK lawyers and work as in-house legal professionals.
Richard Atkinson, Law Society president, said: ‘Both UK and Belgian lawyers need to have the same professional rights in our respective countries.’
Peter Callens, president of the Order of the Flemish Bars, said the memorandum represents ‘a promising starting point’.
