Peter Goldsmith QC of Fountain Court Chambers has received the unique honour of becoming the first barrister to be invited to join the French Bar.
He was sworn in as a full member of the Bar last month at a ceremony that took place at the Court of Appeal in Paris.
Goldsmith did not have to sit any examinations or show any aptitude for French law, but was simply invited, he believes, on the strength of his work as a former chairman of the Bar, in bringing the French and English professions closer together.
As Bar Council chair, Goldsmith played a key role in international affairs and he still retains a strong interest in global issues. He is currently a council member of the International Bar Association, an executive committee member of the Union Internationale des Avocats, and chairs several international committees.
Goldsmith commented: “This is an indication of the friendship between the two Bars, which is something I am particularly involved in and I regard it as a great honour.”
He added: “The future of the law is cross-border. Frontiers do not matter in business and should be torn down – I have been doing my part to spread this message.”
