How UK lawyers are walking the talk on Eurozone trade deals

As the Government’s attempts to open Eurozone trade negotiations continue to stall, they may like to take tips from some of the country’s lawyers, who have been engaging in some unusual trade talks with their European counterparts.

At this month’s Eurojuris International conference in Brussels, lawyers from LawNet member firms were talking up the merits of English gin, scooping themselves an award for best country produce promotion in the process.  

Eurojuris brings together 6,000 lawyers in more than 50 countries in Europe and beyond. Over 200 delegates from 27 countries joined the Annual Congress in Brussels, which launched with a Civic Reception at the Hotel de Ville offered by the City of Brussels.  Delegates spent time in their Practice Groups and at a plenary session focused on the impact of technology and new generations in the workplace.

But attendees were encouraged also to showcase the best of their country’s produce to other delegates during an evening reception.  Representing the UK & Ireland, LawNet won the award for best national stand with their display of specialist gins, complete with tasting notes and carefully selected menu to complement the unique flavour of each of the distilleries showcased. 

“Brexit was an inevitable topic of conversation during the conference,” said LawNet chief executive Chris Marston, “But we’re fortunate to have excellent relationships with our European counterparts through Eurojuris, so our firms have a strong foundation for future working. 

“The spirit of sharing was certainly evident during our evening tasting session, so perhaps the best of English gin may help to lubricate the talks for those negotiating on the European stage on our behalf.” 

All LawNet firms are automatically members of Eurojuris International.  As well as providing a referral route to meeting the needs of clients in different European jurisdictions, many firms use the international network to build strong reciprocal relationships.