The work of the Law Society’s International Team banner

The work of the Law Society’s International Team

  • Posted on

The global nature of modern legal practice means that more solicitors are encountering international clients, dealing in cross-border matters and multinational opportunities. To support the profession when engaging internationally, or when exploring new opportunities, the Law Society’s International Team plays a central role in representing, supporting and promoting the interests of our members around the world. Their mission is to ensure that solicitors can operate confidently and effectively in an increasingly interconnected legal landscape, while also strengthening the global visibility and influence of the solicitor profession.

Representing solicitors’ interests internationally

The international team champions the interests of solicitors across a wide range of global legal and regulatory forums. They engage directly with governments, bar associations, law societies, regulators and multilateral institutions to influence policy and safeguard the profession’s ability to practice internationally. Through diplomatic engagement, strategic partnerships and active participation in international legal networks, the team strengthens the Law Society’s presence and leadership on the world stage.

Supporting members in their international practice of law

A core part of the team’s work is ensuring that solicitors who practice across borders have the support they need. They advocate for enhanced market access and expanded rights for solicitors of England and Wales and for UK law firms more widely. They also promote English and Welsh law as a preferred governing law for international contracts and highlight England and Wales as a Global Legal Centre and a jurisdiction of choice for international dispute resolution. Through this work, the solicitor qualification is positioned as a valuable and internationally recognised professional passport. In addition, the team provides practical support by facilitating international business opportunities, offering strategic guidance and enabling introductions and networking that help our members grow their global connections.

Standing for Lawyers at Risk internationally

The Law Society’s international team also plays an important role in protecting the independence, safety and fundamental rights of lawyers worldwide. They monitor and respond to threats facing legal professionals and when concerns arise, the team intervenes directly with governments, embassies and international institutions to defend the rule of law. They work closely with partners across the world to support and advocate for lawyers who face persecution, intimidation or unlawful restrictions on their practice as part of our Lawyers at Risk programme. Their work also includes promoting the ratification and implementation of the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Professional Lawyer. Through sharing best practice and building capacity across borders, they help strengthen the independence and resilience of the global legal profession.

How the Law Society can support you in developing your international member offer

Our international team are committed to working with local law societies to help strengthen regional international engagement. They are available to attend your committee meetings to discuss their work and to understand the international priorities and activities already taking place within your region, and to identify how these could grow and develop in collaboration with Law Society guidance and support. The team also organises events, including international roundtables, which most recently took place in Birmingham, Leeds and Kent (2025). At such roundtables, the team will be able to discuss opportunities arising in your area and explore how local solicitors could benefit. In addition, the team supports inward delegations, networking receptions and initiatives connected to the regional aspects of industrial and trade strategies.

The team can provide guidance to local law societies and their members on international strategy and business development, and can support engagement with overseas associations, networks and global partners. Twinning opportunities are available for societies that wish to build long-term international relationships, and our team can help facilitate these connections.

Stay informed

 You can stay updated on the Law Society’s international work by visiting our webpage, or by following the International Division on LinkedIn. We also have a monthly International Update that provides the latest news and opportunities directly to you.

For any further details, discussion or support please contact Mickaël Laurans at Mickael.Laurans@lawsociety.org.uk or reach the team at International@lawsociety.org.uk you can also see the areas which our team members look after on our website.

Summary of additional resources

 Stay updated

Reports and guidance

Posts from recent international engagements and regional roundtables

Engage with us

 

Published Feb 2026

Download the Article here: International Article 2026