(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, which are made under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972, give effect to European Communities Council Directive No.98/5/EC of 16 February 1998. The purpose of the Directive is to facilitate the practice of the profession of lawyer on a permanent basis in a member State of the European Community other than the State in which the qualification was obtained.

Under the conditions specified in or permitted by the Directive, a European lawyer may carry out professional activities otherwise reserved to solicitors or barristers and may apply to become a solicitor or barrister.