The Law Society has made a submission to the Home Office warning that its proposed limits on non-EU highly skilled migration could damage the legal sector.

The submission follows concerns voiced by Liberal Democrat business secretary Vince Cable that immigration limits are damaging British industry.

The Law Society said the proposals will threaten the UK’s position as a prominent legal centre, severely restricting law firms’ overseas work and their ability to employ international lawyers.

Law Society chief executive Des Hudson said Chancery Lane had worked closely with its members to identify the impact of the cap on the legal sector.

He said: ‘Britain's ability to remain internationally competitive is under threat, and our business community is also feeling the pressure at a time when we need to revive the economy rather than hinder it.

‘The UK could lose large volumes of legal transactional work to other jurisdictions if we are not allowed access the best talent in strong and emerging economies, such as China and India, as well as our partners in the US and Australia, for example.

‘Recruitment of specialist talent from the global market underpins the success of leading international law firms.

‘The Law Society will continue to lobby on behalf of members.’