British Legal Industry to Gain From UK-Australia Trade Deal, UK Says

Exports of legal services from the United Kingdom to Australia are expected to see big gains under the new trade agreement between the two countries, the U.K.'s Department for International Trade said Aug. 13. Due to guarantees from Australia, British lawyers can continue to provide their services in Australia “using their existing qualifications with more clarity and certainty,” the U.K. said. Covered services include arbitration, conciliation and mediation. Bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining the necessary licenses will be slashed as well, the U.K. said. Eligibility for junior lawyers seeking to work in Australia was increased to 35 years old from 30, the news release said.

“Leading multinational law firms such as Herbert Smith Freehills, with major operations in both countries, are looking for certainty on mobility” and recognition of professional qualifications “provisions relating to the legal profession,” said Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, Herbert Smith chair and senior partner. “We are delighted that the UK and Australian governments have included these provisions which will help us to work more easily across regions.” More than $117 million in legal services was exported to Australia from the U.K. in 2019.