Call for US equality

The US government is set to demand the opening of foreign legal markets while refusing to do the same at home.The revelation follows the decision of the American Bar Association's (ABA) international law and practice section to back proposals put to the US government last month supporting a liberal position in World Trade Organisation talks.The proposals - put together by the influential Coalition of Service Industries' legal services committee - said: 'Relaxation of restrictions on foreign lawyers and firms would promote economic development.

A WTO agreement...

on access to legal services is thus desirable and justified.'In a paper to the ABA's ruling Board of Governors, the international section recognised that one problem the US is likely to face is a demand for comparable rights by foreign countries.'The US trade representative [who conducts WTO negotiations] is very supportive of the proposal...

However, the USTR will be unwilling to commit the US to achieve the same result within this country, due to its concern about the proper rights and responsibilities of the states.' This refers to federal government reluctance to force the states to change their rules.

Currently, only 24 states have adopted a limited foreign legal practitioner regime.Jonathan Goldsmith, the Law Society's international director, said he strongly opposed the US approach: 'We're concerned that the US as always is asking for more than it is willing to give.

This has disadvantaged solicitors in the past and will disadvantage them in the future.'Neil Rose