The upcoming UK-EU summit in May 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the legal profession
As preparations for the 2026 review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) gather pace, legal professionals across the UK and EU have a unique opportunity to push for a stronger, more functional partnership—one that restores mobility, clarity, and cooperation across borders.
Legal services are a cornerstone of the UK economy, employing over half a million people and generating £9.5 billion annually in exports—around a third of which go to EU countries. But beyond the numbers, UK legal expertise is a vital enabler of global commerce and dispute resolution. From cross-border transactions to regulatory advice and litigation, lawyers help businesses operate with confidence across jurisdictions.
However, post-Brexit realities have introduced new and unnecessary frictions. UK solicitors now face a fragmented regulatory landscape, making it more difficult and costly to advise clients or requalify in EU member states. Legal professionals report challenges ranging from visa restrictions to unclear rules on temporary services—factors that not only impact the legal sector but also harm the wider economy.
The Law Society has outlined four practical priorities for the 2026 TCA review that would meaningfully reset UK-EU legal ties and support the sector’s international competitiveness:
1. Business Mobility That Reflects Legal Realities
While the TCA allows short-term business visits, the list of permitted legal activities is narrow and outdated. Expanding this list—such as permitting advice on home jurisdiction law or participation in arbitration—would allow lawyers to better serve clients across borders without being bogged down in red tape. Reciprocal improvements to visa rules on both sides would benefit UK and EU lawyers alike.
2. Honouring What Was Agreed
Despite commitments in the original TCA, implementation has been inconsistent. Some EU member states have yet to embed provisions into national law, leaving UK lawyers in limbo. A renewed effort to ensure both sides honour their commitments would restore trust and ensure the agreement delivers on its potential.
3. Rebuilding Civil Judicial Cooperation
The UK’s exclusion from the Lugano Convention has made it harder to enforce judgments and resolve disputes efficiently. Rejoining Lugano—or reaching a comparable arrangement—would bring much-needed certainty for businesses and citizens alike, ensuring cross-border legal outcomes are recognised and respected.
4. Restoring Practice Rights
Before Brexit, UK lawyers could easily practise, partner, and even requalify in EU jurisdictions. Today, they must navigate 27 different regulatory systems, adding cost and complexity. Streamlined pathways for mutual recognition and collaboration would not only reduce this burden but also enrich legal services on both sides.
With the 2026 review on the horizon, now is the time for the legal community to engage policymakers and push for change. These are not abstract technicalities—these are the day-to-day realities affecting legal careers, client outcomes, and the UK's ability to remain a global legal hub.
The upcoming summit offers a window for influence. By focusing on achievable improvements within the existing framework, the UK and EU can forge a relationship that respects sovereignty while promoting the flow of legal expertise and services. Such a reset wouldn’t just benefit lawyers; it would strengthen the economic and social fabric of both regions.
Legal professionals—whether advising multinationals or representing individuals—must be able to operate internationally with confidence. As political negotiations advance, it’s vital that the voice of the legal sector is heard loud and clear.
