GATS' Applicability to Transnational Lawyering and its Potential Impact on U.S. State Regulation of Lawyers

This Article examines the impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services, or GATS, on legal services, and more specifically on the legal ethics rules in the United States. The Article begins by explaining background information about the global nature of legal services. Then, the Author details the structure and operation of the GATS, including its relevant exemptions, and its applicability to legal services. Next, the Article explores developments that have occurred since the signing of the GATS, including the possible significance to U.S. regulation of the legal profession.

Subsequently, the Author identifies remaining questions about the effects of the GATS on U.S. legal ethics in the twenty-first century and identifies possible scenarios to which the GATS might be applied. Lastly, the Author calls for an increase in monitoring of, and participation in, the ongoing GATS 2000 negotiations by U.S. lawyers who may be affected by its results.