United Kingdom Legal Research Guide

This in-depth guide will help researchers navigate legal materials for the United Kingdom.

Practitioner Resources, Think Tank Research, and Blog Commentary

Practitioner Resources

The following professional associations are reliable sources of information about the legal implications of Brexit and its impact on the practice of law in the UK.

  • The Brexit Papers (Bar Council of England & Wales)
    This series of reports is published by the Brexit Working Group of the Bar Council of England and Wales, the professional association which represents members of the trial bar, known as barristers.  Each report identifies the most pressing legal issues arising out of the UK's withdrawal from the EU with respect to a particular practice area or industry.  Reports are available for download in PDF format.
     
  • Brexit and the Legal Sector (Law Society of England and Wales)
    The Law Society of England and Wales is the professional association which represents the majority of legal practitioners, known as solicitors, who are not trial advocates.  The Society's website maintains this gateway page for accessing position papers, press releases, and blog posts on Brexit.  In addition, the Society's report on Brexit and the Law, which analyzes the impact of Brexit on the provision of legal services within the UK, is available for download in PDF format.
     
  • Brexit Policy Work (Law Society of Scotland)
    The Law Society of Scotland maintains this gateway page on its website, from which you may access briefings and position papers on Brexit and monitor Brexit-related legislation.  The Society's website also includes dedicated pages for Brexit Information and Updates and Brexit Questions & Answers.  

 

Academic & Think Tank Research

The organizations listed below publish credible research and commentary on Brexit and its consequences.  Many of them maintain dedicated webpages from which you may access all of their Brexit-related content.  Most are free resources, but one subscription database also is included.

  • After Brexit:  Britain's Future -- Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House)
    Founded in 1920, this independent, London-based institute is one of the most respected voices in international public policy.  Its dedicated Brexit webpage provides access to expert commentary, articles from the Institute's journal, International Affairs, and its magazine, The World Today, as well as audio recordings of seminars, briefings, and roundtable discussions.
     
  • Brexit -- Institute for Government
    This think tank sponsors practical research to make government more effective.  Publications and commentary on the implementation of Brexit and its consequences are accessible from this portal page.
     
  • Brexit Resources -- British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL)
    This independent, non-profit think tank is a reliable source for objective research and analysis.  Its Brexit-related content includes research papers, FAQs, as well as podcasts and video recordings.
     
  • Brexit Responses -- European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
    The ECFR is an independent think tank with offices in seven European capitals, including London. Commentary from the ECFR's experts analysts on various aspects of Brexit is aggregated on the webpage linked above.
     
  • Britain & the EU -- Centre for European Reform
    This London-based think tank describes itself as being generally supportive, but not uncritical, of the EU.  Its dedicated Brexit webpage aggregates commentary from its own in-house experts and from experts affiliated with other institutions.
     
  • Business Monitor International (BMI) Research
    This subscription-based research service analyzes the political, economic, and business climates in jurisdictions worldwide.  It issues country-specific and industry-specific reports, thematic "special reports," and up-to-date coverage of "hot topics," including Brexit.  Search by keyword or browse by country (geography), by industry (service), by special report, or by hot topic. 
     
  • The Constitution Society
    This independent, non-partisan educational foundation promotes informed debate about proposed changes to the UK's constitution.  Visit the publications page of the Society's website to access commentary on the constitutional aspects of Brexit. 
     
  • UCL Brexit Hub -- The European Institute, University College London
    The European Institute at University College London maintains this gateway page, from which you may access research papers, commentary, and blog posts on Brexit and its consequences.
     
  • The UK and Europe  -- The Constitution Unit, University College London
    The Constitution Unit, also affiliated with University College London, maintains this dedicated webpage, which focuses on the political and constitutional ramifications of Brexit.  It provides links to briefing papers, videos, and blog posts.
     
  • The UK in a Changing Europe -- King's College, University of London
    This initiative, based at King's College London, produces objective, non-partisan research on the UK's evolving relationship with the EU.  Its website provides access to research papers, commentary and analysis from UK academics, and topical videos and podcasts.
     
  • UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO)
    This think tank, established in partnership with the Royal Institute for International Affairs and the University of Sussex, monitors the latest developments in the UK's trade relations, publishes briefing papers on the UK's emerging post-Brexit trade policy, and sponsors debates on trade policy.  Visit the publications page to download briefing papers.
     

Blog Commentary & Analysis

The blogs listed below regularly publish posts about the legal aspects of Brexit.

The following non-legal blogs are also good sources for informed commentary on Brexit and its aftermath.