Happy birthday, Brussels

Following the 25th anniversary of the Society’s Brussels office this year, I thought it was time to find out what they’re up to on the continent.

I’ve been working at the Society for just over a year now and it took most of that time to get over my crushed dream of transferring to the Brussels office and spending my days eating chocolate and waffles. By the time I came to terms with the loss, the Brussels office were celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Some of the team visited the Society's office in Edinburgh and it was then that I discovered that we actually share the Brussels office with the other UK law societies and they don’t have much time to lounge about enjoying delicious local delicacies.

Why does the Society have a Brussels office?

The team in Brussels monitor European and relevant international legislation and legal policy to keep our members informed about important developments. We rely on their knowledge and expertise to make sure any developments are compatible with the Scottish legal system and, where necessary, to lobby in the interests of Scots law and the profession’s practice rights.

Who works there?

The UK law societies are jointly represented by a team of five people: Mickaël Laurans (head of office); Helena Raulus (Internal Market policy adviser); Rita Giannini (Justice and Home Affairs policy adviser); Anna Drozd (policy adviser on professional issues) and Antonella Verde (office manager).

They also take two trainee solicitors on secondment from firms in the UK every September and March for six months – I’m sure they’ll have room for me at some point…

What can they do for me?

The Brussels office provides a number of free services for Scottish solicitors and firms, including email newsletters, strategic advice on the EU and lobbying and conference facilities.

Emails include the Brussels Agenda – a monthly newsletter which summarises EU developments and changes in EU law. There are also more subject specific updates on a range of practice areas and the Court of Justice of the EU case law. To subscribe, you can email the Brussels office with your contact details and include a list of the emails you’d like to receive.

The team can provide advice on how best to represent your clients when lobbying EU institutions, and logistical support in arranging meetings. For solicitors making occasional business trips to Brussels, the conference rooms can accommodate groups of 16, 22 and 34 people (boardroom style) and 40 people (theatre style).

Can I go and work in Brussels?

Not if I get there first!

Actually, if you’re interested in professional opportunities, you might be interested in the training the Brussels team helps to organise for lawyers on the EU, its institutions and the areas of EU law you need to know about for your practice, as well as seminars on the latest EU developments targeted at firms.

The team regularly organise visits to Brussels, be they general study visits for firms, groups and faculties, or tailored visits to meet the key EU officials in your field of practice. They can also help to provide contact-building opportunities at EU-related events in Brussels and the UK.

So there you have it – there are lots of ways to get involved. I’m off to sign up for some training…

For more information about the Brussels office and the Law Society’s international work, visit www.lawscot.org.uk/members/international/international-relations-brussels-office/. The Brussels Agenda and Brussels office updates are available on the Society’s website.