Decision reached on entry of foreign lawyers to Indian market
The pros and cons of liberalisation of the legal services market in India have been a matter of serious debate for a number of years, and we believe that this development is a huge positive step for India and its global position as a major economic power.
Broadening access to international lawyers and firms will no doubt present some excellent business opportunities for India, and ultimately it is the client that should benefit from new synergies created by liberalisation of India’s legal market.
At Irwin Mitchell, we do not operate overseas offices, choosing instead to work with strategic networks of best-friend and partner law firms in key jurisdictions. This means that we can be truly independent in the advice and recommendations that we give and focus on best providing for the needs of each individual client. These changes to the legal market will enable us to work and cooperate even more effectively with contacts and relationships whilst in India, which will be a real boon for Irwin Mitchell.
"Time has come to take a call on the issue. Bar Council of India is of the view that opening up of law practice in India to foreign lawyers in the field of practice of foreign law; diverse international legal issues in nonlitigious matters and in international arbitration cases would go a long way in helping legal profession/domain grow in India to the benefit of lawyers in India too."
The BCI has further stated that India is not likely to suffer any disadvantage if law practice is opened up to foreign lawyers in a restricted, well-controlled and regulated manner.”
