A draft EU Directive which would increase the freedom of qualified EU lawyers to establish themselves and offer legal services in any member state has taken another step towards legislation. The proposed Directive would allow lawyers to practise permanently and without restriction, under their original professional title, in any EU member state, on the same basis as the host country's own lawyers. All that would be required would be registration with the bar or other relevant authority in the host state, on the same basis as in the home country. In addition, the Directive aims to make it easier to acquire the relevant professional title in the host country. Member states will have to acknowledge the professional experience foreign lawyers have gained in their jurisdiction.
June 30, 1997