John Mulholland, president of the Law Society of Scotland, signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of the Law Society at the opening of the legal year in London while Mungo Bovey QC, Keeper of the Library, signed the document on behalf of the Faculty of Advocates.

Mr Mulholland said: “This agreement builds on the existing spirit of collaboration between the bars in the UK and Belgium. I hope that this will form the basis of even greater cooperation in the future and could inspire further agreements to be reached with colleagues across Europe.”

A number of solicitors who qualified in Scotland have gone on to build a legal career in Brussels. The Brussels-based bars have taken care to communicate with the UK lawyers registered with them about the potential impact of Brexit.

They’ve also lobbied their government to ensure that their no-deal legislation gives time for UK lawyers to take any necessary steps to secure their position.

Belgium-based lawyer Siobhan Kahmann, international representative on the Society’s Council, welcomed the agreement.

She said: “In the uncertainty after the referendum, it was a comfort for me and my UK colleagues to learn from our local bars that our contribution to the legal community here was valued. I am delighted that this is reflected in the memorandum of understanding our bars have signed today.”