The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has begun talks with international legal bodies to forge a benchmark for member countries to open up their legal markets in the latest round of trade talks.
Key proposals being put forward for legal services by the WTO include an end to restrictions on the rights of foreign lawyers to practise locally, for example through the use of local joint ventures or by banning foreign lawyers from advising on certain practice areas. In addition, WTO member countries would be obliged to recognise foreign legal qualifications, allow firms to use their domestic brand locally and end unnecessary restrictions on lawyers qualifying at local bars.
