A new set of guidelines is being created to assist legal professionals in understanding the distinctions between legislation in England and legislation in Wales.

The professional body for solicitors in England and Wales has commissioned a practice note aimed at explaining how Welsh legislation varies from English legislation, as well as assisting lawyers who practise in both jurisdictions.

The development of these guidelines is being carried out in collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Dr Bronwen Williams, who leads Swansea Law School at the university, explained that the institution is collaborating with the Law Society to raise awareness of the significance of devolved law in Wales. She emphasised that practitioners must understand the main areas that have been devolved and how the legal framework is evolving. She noted that higher education institutions have a responsibility to incorporate this understanding into their courses, and that Swansea Law School already includes this as a standard component of its law programme.

Dr Williams is undertaking the development of the practice note for this initiative together with Dr Emyr Lewis, who serves as an emeritus professor at Aberystwyth University.

The resulting practice note will outline the principal areas where Welsh legislation diverges from English legislation and will offer practical advice to assist solicitors in determining the appropriate legal framework when providing counsel to clients.