Law and Globalization: Not Entirely Free, Your Honor

As barriers to international trade crumble, the legal profession does not hurry to follow the trend. One explanation of the profession’s relative imperviousness to foreign influence is separate legal traditions: Some countries practice English common law while others follow civil law or a mix of systems. Complex regulations on practice vary by nation, sometimes devised “to protect the profession from pesky competitors,” suggests this article from the Economist, adding that “winning local trust is as crucial as passing exams or gaining licenses.” Some nations tentatively open their courts to foreign firms and attorneys who meet the qualifications. Others, like India, remain adamantly opposed to foreign legal services, even prohibiting partnerships between foreign and domestic legal practitioners. Openness – with access to the best in legal services through direct representation or partnerships – is an advantage for the firms or citizens who hold global ambitions. – YaleGlobal