The Society of Indian Law Firms, which counts many large- and mid-sized law firms among its members, has criticised draft rules circulated by the Bar Council of India earlier this month related to the regulation of foreign lawyers and firms.

According to reports in Indian press, the rules, which were tabled at a meeting chaired by the law ministry on July 5, do not reflect the SILF’s proposal for a phased entry for foreign law firms and lawyers.

While there was in-principle agreement at the meeting among various stakeholders including representatives of the BCI and the legal fraternity, the SILF said there was a need for internal liberalisation of the legal profession before opening up legal services to foreign lawyers and law firms. 

The chief concern of the group was that Indian law firms would beat at a competitive disadvantage as they are not allowed to publicise their services, unlike their foreign counterparts.

The law ministry will hold yet another meeting in early August to hear the views of all the stakeholders on the issue.