Catherine Dixon underlines the importance of making an informed decision over Britain’s future with the EU
Let me start by saying that the Law Society does not have a position on Brexit—either in or out.
Solicitors—like everyone else—will make their minds up on Brexit based on a whole range of considerations, including business but also taking into account political views and those of family and friends.
In 2015 the Law Society decided that part of our role as the professional body for solicitors was to take a look at what the impact might be for the legal sector if the British people decide on 23 June to remain within the EU or to leave it.
Short term v long term implications
In the short term some solicitors could enjoy their widely trailed “Brexit bonanza” as agreements are unpicked, contracts altered, new domestic rules written and the legal complexities of any changed relationship with the EU unravelled.
However, based on an independent assessment we commissioned by Oxford Economics, in the longer term a UK withdrawal is likely to disadvantage the legal services sector disproportionately when compared to
