Greece has passed a new law enabling UK lawyers to practice in Greece following the efforts of law firms and the Greek Bar Associations of Athens and Piraeus.
The Law Society of England and Wales, the professional association that represents solicitors for the jurisdiction of England and Wales, said that Greece has been one of their priority jurisdictions in Europe and in fact the world.
The Law Society provides services and support to practicing and training solicitors and serves as a sounding board for law reform.
“This significant development marks the culmination of more than three years of continuous efforts by the Law Society of England and Wales in close collaboration with UK government officials,” the Law Society said in a statement.
Following Brexit, UK legal professionals faced considerable obstacles working in key sectors such as shipping, insurance and finance in Greece as they had lost the right to register to practice in the country.
Several of the UK’s largest law firms, many of which are among the top 50 globally, have a significant presence in the Greek market, predominantly in Athens and Piraeus.
UK lawyers can register with Greece’s Bar Associations
This new legislation allows lawyers qualified in the UK and based in Greece to register with a Greek Bar to advise clients on English law as well as public international law, thereby protecting their ability to operate in the market, now and in future.
This law is a direct result of continued collaboration between the Law Society and the UK government, and negotiations with the EU Commission, Greek government and counterparts since the announcement of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
As part of the TCA, Greece committed to allowing UK lawyers to continue practicing under their home title.
President of the Law Society Nick Emmerson commented on the passing of the legislation:
“This is a landmark achievement for UK lawyers and law firms. The Law Society has worked tirelessly with the UK government to ensure that our members can continue to provide their services in one of the continent’s most important markets. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those involved in this process, including our counterparts in Greece and the UK government, for their unwavering support and commitment.
“This new law signifies a strong step forward in safeguarding the interests of UK legal professionals abroad and reaffirms the importance of collaborative international relations in the legal sector.
“England and Wales remain an open jurisdiction not just to Greek lawyers but to all foreign lawyers, who are and will continue to be welcome to practice here.”
UK’s Justice Minister Heidi Alexander said: “UK lawyers are among the best in the world and this legislation creates exciting opportunities for them to practice in Greece.”