Lorna Jack appointed to trade talks advisory group

Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, has been appointed to an expert group on professional advisory services, one of 11 new groups set up to support the UK's trade negotiations post-Brexit.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has established the trade advisory groups (TAGs) as part of a drive to step up engagement with key industries that also include farming, manufacturing, automotive, telecom, creative industries, life sciences, transport and financial services.

Their advice will be used to help inform the Government’s negotiating position on key industry needs related to securing new market access.

The professional advisory services TAG also includes representatives from the Law Societies of England & Wales and of Northern Ireland, and the Bar Council, as well as accountancy body ACCA and big legal and accountancy practices. Members have been selected to provide a breadth of knowledge and experience.

Launching the groups, Ms Truss said: "This is about bringing business closer to the negotiating table and using their expertise to help secure the best possible deals that deliver jobs and growth across Britain. Talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand are entering their crucial latter stages, so it is only right that we step up engagement with vital industries to utilise their technical and strategic expertise."

Ms Jack commented: "I am very pleased to join this group of experts to represent Scotland’s legal sector on the DIT’s new Trade Advisory Group for professional advisory services.

"The legal sector is highly successful in its own right and is a major contributor to the economy, as well as supporting many other industries. During such a time of change, and as we recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is an important opportunity to share our collective knowledge and expertise and help shape effective trade policy which will allow the UK’s key sectors to thrive."