Law Ministry says it again – No entry of Foreign Law Firms

The Law Ministry in its latest press release has reiterated the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) stand to not permit foreign firms into India. The Law Ministry also has issued another press release regarding “opening of legal profession to UK Lawyers” stating that the BCI is presently laying a clear road map for the purpose of ensuring legal reforms so that even entry of foreign lawyers would cause no serious concern..The Law Ministry in its latest press release has reiterated the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) stand to not permit foreign firms into India. The press release states, “the decision is being subject to a more detailed and rational scrutiny in the light of the opinions and points of view of different stakeholders… The BCI is committed to take steps which will benefit the Indian legal profession” and therefore has taken this decision to not permit foreign lawyers..An insider from the BCI, speaking to Bar & Bench in August on the issue of foreign law firms had said, “On the issue of foreign law firms, the BCI internally has decided, although will not be communicated to the media at this point, to go through a transparent process before formulating any legal opinion. The BCI is hoping and would want to hear out all stakeholders, keeping in mind interests of all 1.2 million odd lawyers that come under its purview and thereafter prepare a compendium or a report to forward to the law ministry and other relevant ministries”..Another press release, which refers to UK Lawyers specifically, states “the BCI, a statutory body has informed that they perceive the Indian legal profession to be both service oriented as well as based on business principles. However, it is important to understand the legal profession in the Indian context. At the same time, Indian lawyers are not averse to self-upgradation and skill acquisition. Once the said reforms process is initiated, the profession could be stated to be in some readiness to the opening up of the legal sector. However, this is a matter which is to be considered by the BCI and the Bar Council is presently laying a clear road map for the purpose of ensuring legal reforms so that even entry of foreign lawyers would cause no serious concern”..In July this year, a UK delegation headed by Clifford Chance Partner Stuart Popham visited India and had discussed the entry of UK Law firms in India. The Law Minister reacting then had said “On the opening up of the legal market, the Government would not impose a decision on the legal community in India.”.The BCI has taken time till October 5 in the Foreign Law Firms case to decide on the course of action to regulate foreign law firms.