Brexit
What impact will Brexit have?
Brexit means Brexit – so the prime minister says, but what are the exact implications of the referendum vote to leave the European Union and the exit itself? Whether to do with employment, immigration, human rights, contracts, intellectual property, trade or constitutional law, Brexit has implications. If you need advice, contact a myBarrister barrister who is an expert on these areas of law to find out where you stand.
Immigration: the main consequence of Brexit is likely to be that the free movement of people will be restricted. However, until the UK formally leaves the EU, there are no restrictions on movement of people. If you have five years’ continuous residence in the UK and wish to remain in the UK without restriction as and when the UK leaves the EU, a barrister will advise you on how to make an application for a residence permit.
Employment: much of the UK’s employment law derives from EU legislation. Will those laws be revoked when the UK leaves the EU? Or will most of the laws be kept, meaning that employment law obligations and protections will continue to remain in force? A barrister will be able to advise you on what your employment rights are.
Human Rights: the UK will continue to be a signatory of the European Convention of Human Rights, even if it leaves the EU. The UK will continue to fall under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights.
Contracts: The decision to leave the EU may have a bearing on contractual relationships, for example if there is a clause in any contract that makes the agreement dependent on the UK being a full member of the EU.
Trade: If and when the UK leaves the EU, the likelihood is that it will no longer be part of the single market, which operates on the basis of free movement of goods and capital. That may have a direct impact on those businesses trading with EU countries in terms of tariffs, customs duties and declarations of goods at borders.
Intellectual Property: Current UK and European patent law originates from the European Patent Convention, which is not tied to the EU.
Personal Injury: Brexit is not likely to result in any immediate changes to legislation that concerns personal injury. However, when the UK leaves the EU, this may have an effect on making insurance claims arising from personal injury (for example, if you are in a road traffic accident) wherever you are in Europe.
Why choose a barrister?
Your barrister will help you resolve your legal issue more quickly, more efficiently and often at a lower cost than a solicitor. Your barrister will be able to advise you on everything to do with the legal aspects of your problem, can advise you on the strength of your case and draft legal documents, and use his or her advocacy skills to represent you to the highest standard in any court, tribunal or hearing.
Choosing the right barrister for you
If you need expert advice on a Brexit-related issue, choose a barrister on myBarrister. Look through the profiles of the barristers on myBarrister and you will find one or more barristers who will have the right expertise to advise you.