"Richard Atkinson, representing the Law Society of England and Wales, endorses the regulatory framework controlling the entry of international law firms, as per the BCI Rules."
The UK is poised to bolster India's growth through its strong legal services sector, with many UK firms viewing the Indian jurisdiction as an important market. Some of these firms are even considering establishing a permanent presence in India, following the amended rules that allow foreign lawyers and law firms to practice foreign law, international law, and international arbitration in India on a reciprocal basis.
However, these UK firms, represented by the Law Society of England and Wales, are seeking clarifications on the operational details of the new rules. Key issues include framework and regulatory clarity, uncertainties around permanent establishment risks and tax treatment, hiring Indian lawyers, and concerns about the impact on Indian firms and market dynamics.
The Law Society, led by President Richard Atkinson, is visiting India to engage in discussions with the Bar Council of India (BCI), the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), and various Indian law firms. The aim is to find mutually acceptable solutions ensuring regulatory compliance, sustainable competition, and support for India's economic growth objectives.
The delegation is eager for greater regulatory clarity on operational and compliance issues, balanced market access that respects Indian firms' interests, clear guidelines on employment and legal service limits, and collaborative engagement with the BCI and Indian stakeholders moving forward.
The amended rules, announced in May 2025, also allow English and Welsh solicitors and law firms to register to practice in India permanently. This development is welcomed by the Law Society, which believes that an open legal profession will create international business opportunities and contribute to India's economic growth through greater global connectivity.
The Law Society has been engaging with the BCI and the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice for over two decades to promote the internationalization of the Indian legal sector. The Society continues to work closely with the BCI to ensure the new rules work for the benefit of both professions and the wider legal fraternity.
The new rules create opportunities for solicitors and Indian advocates in both countries, with UK law firms looking forward to collaborating and strengthening relationships with their Indian counterparts during the visit.
- In their discussions with the Bar Council of India and other stakeholders, the Law Society, led by President Richard Atkinson, aims to address concerns surrounding the implementation of new rules that allow foreign law firms to practice in India, including clarifying operational details, setting fair market access, establishing guidelines for employment, and fostering sustainable competition.
- Beyond the legal sector, the Law Society views the amended rules as a significant step towards enhancing lifestyle, education-and-self-development opportunities, as well as technology collaborations between the UK and India, believing that an open legal profession will foster international business relationships and contribute to each nation's growth objectives through global connectivity.
