3
8.
The President of the Law Society referred to the overwhelming support at the EGM (2/3 of the membership) in favour of the motion that the Government's proposal to allow foreign law firms to take in local solicitors be opposed by the Law Society. He did not consider, however, that an open confrontation with Government would be in the best interests of the Society. He believed that there were other options which would achieve the Government's policy objectives of open competition and greater internationalisation. Following an explanation of the proposals by the Attorney General the Law Society expressed concern about the risk of foreign firms taking over local firms, that the independence of the local profession was threatened and that foreign lawyers should not be permitted to advise on local law. It was agreed that a further meeting should take place.
9.
On 3 November 1988 the two sides met again.
An attempt was made persuade the Law Society to participate in the drawing up of a scheme of control in accordance with the policy proposals. They indicated that they had in mind a possible alternative to the Government's proposals which might achieve the same result. It was agreed that we would provide the Law Society with an indication of our thinking
The Law Society, on the implementation of the proposals.
in turn, agreed to let us have full particulars of their counter proposal.
10.
No
On 7 November 1988 the Attorney General wrote to the President of the Law Society (Appendix I) setting out, in detail, the issues which needed to be addressed. reply has been received from the Law Society and no information has been forthcoming as to their counter proposal. There has been no further direct contact between the Law Society and the Administration since that time.