Update on Issues Raised by Cross Border Legal Practice
As legal services increasingly span national borders, state supreme courts face complex challenges regulating lawyers and law firms operating in a globalized market. This 2015 update — authored by Gregory E. Mize for the National Center for State Courts — outlines pressing issues stemming from international trade agreements, technological advancements, alternative business structures, and emerging regulatory models.
The report explores questions such as:
- How should legal services be defined and regulated across jurisdictions?
- What ethical and regulatory frameworks best support cross-border practice?
- How might global legal reforms affect U.S. lawyer licensing and public trust?
It also outlines responsive actions taken by the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and highlights international coordination efforts with key stakeholders like the International Bar Association and the U.S. Trade Representative.