A European lawyer, beyond the self-evident definition of 'a lawyer in Europe', also refers to a specific definition introduced by the UK's European Communities (Services of Lawyers) Order 1978, which permits

lawyer A lawyer is a person who practices law. The role of a lawyer varies greatly across different legal jurisdictions. A lawyer can be classified as an advocate, attorney, barrister, canon lawyer, civil law notary, counsel, counselor, solic ...

s from other EU member states to practice law within the UK, in accordance with EU directive 77/249/EEC. The term EU lawyer is also used in UK law. The order contains a list of countries of origin and the designations which the order applies to for example a professional "entitled to pursue his professional activities""Annex 10A European Communities (Services of Lawyers) Order 1978"
such as an "advokat" in

Finland Finland ( fi, Suomi ; sv, Finland ), officially the Republic of Finland (; ), is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of B ...

, may practice Europe-wide as a "European lawyer". The order also imposes temporary limitations on the types of legal work which may be carried out by such persons. Lawyers from other European countries practicing in the UK must be associated with appropriate

co-counsel A counsel or a counsellor at law is a person who gives advice and deals with various issues, particularly in legal matters. It is a title often used interchangeably with the title of ''lawyer''. The word ''counsel'' can also mean advice given ...

and upon demand by a competent authority they must verify their status. After a possible temporary limitation such as the aforementioned, EU lawyers may acquire and use the title of the country they reside and work in, usually after three years of practice under the title of origin (and possible restrictions) ''or'' after an examination that confirms equivalence. The choice is up to the professional, not the bar or country.

Professions Applicable to EU Order

The full list of professions to whom the title 'European Lawyer' is applicable follows;

Notes

{{Law Lawyers by type European Union law

Professions Applicable to EU Order

See also

Notes