Decision to publish regulations on foreign lawyers in India welcomed
15 May 2025
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Amended regulations from the Bar Council of India (BCI) that will permit foreign lawyers and law firms to practice in India on a reciprocal basis are a significant development, says the Law Society of England and Wales.
In March 2023, the Bar Council of India (BCI) made a historic announcement to allow for the establishment of foreign lawyers and law firms in India but the rules had not yet been implemented. The changes to these regulations aim to clarify the framework under which foreign lawyers and law firms can operate, following an announcement yesterday (14 May).
Implementation of these new rules will enable foreign lawyers and foreign law firms to practice foreign law, international law, and international arbitration matters in India on the principle of reciprocity.
“This is an important development for our two professions,” said Law Society president Richard Atkinson.
“The Law Society has been engaging with the BCI as well as the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice for more than two decades working on the opening up of the Indian legal sector. Our constructive dialogue and efforts have helped bring this significant development to fruition.
“We are reviewing the new regulations and considering how they will work in practice and we look forward to working closely with the BCI to make these work for the benefit of our members and the wider legal fraternity.
“This decision should create huge opportunities for solicitors and Indian advocates in both countries. We share the BCI’s view that opening up the legal profession in India to foreign lawyers will also benefit Indian lawyers.”
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