The European Parliament has voted on the issue of improving the transparency of lobbying in the EU institutions, a matter which could impact on lawyers practising EU law.
The Law Society is pleased that the Parliament adopted an amendment aimed at clarifying the distinction between lobbying and the giving of legal advice to a client. The amendment adopted changes the definition of lobbying to include lawyers when their purpose is to “influence policy rather than to provide legal assistance and defence in legal proceedings or to give legal advice”.
Law Society president, Andrew Holroyd, said: "I am pleased with the outcome of Parliament's vote yesterday. The previous wording was intended to ensure that the definition of lobbying also covered the provision of legal advice by a lawyer to a client. This amendment makes the point that we need to find a balance between what is "influencing policy", and should be disclosed, and what is "providing legal advice".
"The provision of legal advice, and the ability of the client to receive such advice in confidence, is a fundamental principle of European legal systems that deserves recognition in this context."