Law Society comments on Brexit: “unprecedented and complex challenge for UK law”

The Law Society has said that the vote by the UK electorate to leave the European Union has created an “unprecedented and complex range of legal issues”, but that the profession is focused on finding solutions.

Jonathan Smithers, the Law Society president, said: "We did not take a stance on whether Britain should leave or remain in the European Union - that was because we are a professional body and our membership has a diverse range of views. Instead we sought to provide facts to inform the debate with a focus on the impact on legal services.

He went on to comment: “Amid all the uncertainty it's important to emphasise there is no immediate change to anyone’s legal rights or obligations. It’s also important to say that the law of England and Wales retains its international commercial appeal and England and Wales remains an attractive and stable jurisdiction, with a high quality legal profession, internationally respected courts and the best law firms in the world that have attracted clients from across the globe for many years.”

The Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) chair, Louisa Nye, released a statement on Friday: “I am currently attending the European Young Bar Association’s AGM in Dusseldorf, and this reflects the Young Bar’s commitment to maintaining a good working relationship with the European market. The Young Bar is committed to engaging with other European lawyers regarding the changes that will be taking place. The YBC is confident that the quality of advocacy and legal service provision in the jurisdiction will not be undermined by today’s results, and London will remain a leading centre for international dispute resolution.”