The ABA works to expand U.S. lawyers' access to international markets

"For decades, the American Bar Association has championed a rules-based, liberalized system of international trade. This commitment is grounded in two core values: advancing the rule of law and enabling U.S. lawyers and firms to serve clients wherever they do business. Yet many countries maintain regulatory barriers that block or burden U.S. lawyers' and law firms' ability to operate abroad through the most effective structures and relationships."

"As global commerce expands and the demand for cross-border legal services grows, so does the urgency of ensuring U.S. lawyers and law firms can effectively serve their clients through cross-border practices. U.S. clients, both individuals and businesses, expect their lawyers to support them wherever they operate. Meeting that demand requires U.S. lawyers to have meaningful access to international markets. In fiscal year 2023 alone, U.S. exports of legal services were nearly $17.5 billion, compared to $5.3 billion in imports."

The ABA champions a rules-based, liberalized system of international trade grounded in advancing the rule of law and enabling U.S. lawyers and firms to serve clients wherever they do business. Many countries maintain regulatory barriers that block or burden U.S. lawyers' and law firms' ability to operate abroad through the most effective structures and relationships. The ABA, through its Standing Committee on International Trade in Legal Services and other entities, presses for removal of those barriers. As global commerce and demand for cross-border legal services grow, U.S. lawyers require meaningful access to international markets to meet client expectations. U.S. exports of legal services reached nearly $17.5 billion in fiscal year 2023, versus $5.3 billion in imports. The ABA has urged the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce to seek market access consistent with the ABA Model Rule for foreign legal consultants and has engaged with foreign bar leaders.

Read at ABA Journal