UK-Swiss Free Trade Agreement to benefit Scottish solicitors

Scottish solicitors and their clients will benefit from an enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement, according to the Law Society of Scotland.

Last week it was announced that the UK and Swiss governments had concluded negotiations on a new and enhanced free trade agreement.

The deal would make permanent current arrangements that allow Scottish solicitors and other UK professionals to undertake short-term business activities in Switzerland for up to 90 days a year without requiring a work permit.

Solicitors qualified in Scotland will be able to advise on Scottish and international law in Switzerland, and the agreement will support business mobility by allowing secondments and transfers between UK and Swiss offices.

Law Society of Scotland President Serena Sutherland said: “A new enhanced Free Trade Agreement between the UK and Switzerland is positive news for Scottish solicitors, their clients and Scotland’s legal sector more broadly.

“We are optimistic that this new agreement will provide greater certainly for businesses providing legal services in Switzerland, and will encourage more people in Scotland’s legal sector to seek opportunities there.

“Our legal sector is full of enormously talented people who have so much to offer. We support all measures that make it easier for Scottish legal talent to take their expertise out into the wider world.”