The Legal Services Regulatory Dialogue established under the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement has published a report on its work concerning cross-border legal practice. The Dialogue brought together legal services regulators and professional bodies from both countries as a formal mechanism for examining issues that affect lawyers and law firms operating between the two jurisdictions. It’s work covered admission and requalification pathways, legal business structures, regulatory settings and the practical requirements that apply to professional practice in Australia and the United Kingdom.
The report provides an overview of the two legal professions and their practising requirements, records the work undertaken through the Dialogue and sets out recommendations for consideration by governments, regulators and legal profession peak bodies. The minimum term required under the Free Trade Agreement ended on 31 May 2026, but the participants have agreed that the exchange should continue.
They intend to meet annually to share information about regulatory developments in each jurisdiction. The continuation of the forum gives regulators a standing channel for identifying barriers, comparing approaches and supporting clearer pathways for cross-border practice as domestic rules and professional structures evolve.