The European Commission defied the European Parliament last week by expressly including lawyers in the Services Directive.

The move will make it easier for solicitors to establish themselves in European legal markets by clearing away restrictions on fixed fees and advertising that exist in some member states.


Last month, the parliament had responded to lobbying from European bar associations to pass a resolution expressly excluding lawyers from the directive. It emphasised the need to safeguard the core values of independence, absence of conflicts of interest and professional confidentiality in the legal profession.


This resolution was disregarded by the commission last week, which reinstated lawyers into the directive - to the dismay of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE). However, the Law Society broadly backs the commission.


Law Society President Kevin Martin said: 'Although there is specific legislation in place in relation to lawyers, this directive will complement that by plugging some of the gaps. We will continue to make representations on this proposal to ensure that its benefits outweigh any regulatory burdens.'


CCBE secretary-general Jonathan Goldsmith said it would lobby to reverse the decision.