The Dutch Bar has staved off preliminary attempts by Big Six accountancy firms Arthur Andersen & Co and Price Waterhouse to establish multi-disciplinary practices in the Netherlands. The district court of Amsterdam found that the existing ban on fully merged accountancy and law practices “is not excessive” and does not conflict with European legislation on competition. The President of the Dutch Bar Association, Tony Hudyecoper, was understandably “very happy” with the decision, which has wide ranging implications for the independence of lawyers throughout Europe and has been closely monitored by the profession.
Making Pach work
The Bar Council’s pupillage clearing system has found itself in the last chance saloon with criticism coming from all quarters. Calls to reform the process have been heard from students and chambers alike, forcing a pledge from the Bar to give more support to the system in the next year. However, if more time had […]
