The Legal Profession in the European Union

The demand for new and increased legal services brought about by the process of European integration, closer relations among Member States, and changes in the way services are delivered under the influence of new technologies have called for adjustments in legislation and regulations and given rise to a significant alteration in the role of lawyers and the legal profession in general. Lingering 'old' rules - which tend to safeguard the interests of the profession rather than those of individuals, whether users or consumers - are clearly on the reform docket.