The Law Society's rules and ethics committee has approved the profession of German Steuerberatern (tax advisers) for the purposes of multi-national practice with solicitors (see [2003] Gazette, 19 December, 5).

This means that German Steuerberatern may now apply to become registered foreign lawyers and, if their applications are successful, enter into partnership with solicitors or become directors/shareholders/members in a recognised body.

Before foreign lawyers can be registered as registered foreign lawyers, the Law Society requires confirmation that their professional rules permit practice in partnership with solicitors in England and Wales.

At the date of going to press, confirmation to this effect has been received from the Steuerberaterkammer Hessen.

Steuerberatern regulated by other regional chambers will need to supply such confirmation.

Applications for registered foreign lawyer status should be made to the Registration Department, Ipsley Court, Redditch, Worcs B98 0TD; DX 19114 Redditch; tel: 0870 606 2555.

The committee's decision also means that where a solicitors' partnership or company practises entirely outside England and Wales, it may have Steuerberatern as partners, and they do not need to be registered foreign lawyers.

Although the Law Society now regards Steuerberatern as foreign lawyers, the same view may not be taken by other professional bodies, so solicitors will need to check the position with their foreign lawyer partners.

The committee's decision refers to German tax advisers only.

Tax advisers from other jurisdictions should be regarded as non-lawyers, pending any decision by the committee.