India Says Yes to Foreign Legal Work, But No to Foreign Lawyers

Law Practice

India Says Yes to Foreign Legal Work, But No to Foreign Lawyers

Posted Nov 19, 2007, 12:50 pm CST
By Martha Neil

A charm offensive by the British bar has failed to win immediate permission from the Indian government for foreign lawyers to practice in what many consider the world capital of legal outsourcing work.

"The Bar Council of India (BCI) has released a joint resolution with the country’s state Bar councils urging the Indian Government not to open up the legal profession to foreign lawyers, in the latest blow to hopes of imminent liberalization of the key emerging market," reports Legal Week.

However, the conference apparently expects to continue with discussions about potentially opening up Indian law practice to foreign attorneys at some point in the future.

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Posted by J.D. - 1 year, 2 weeks, 22 hours, 25 minutes ago

Have we FINALLY learned that “free trade” is a one-way highway that screws American workers?

It’s been killing poor and middle class workers for decades. Now that wealthy attorneys are feeling the pain, maybe the ABA will step up and do something?
Posted by sounder rajan - 1 year, 2 weeks, 7 hours, 37 minutes ago

Reciprocity rule should apply in free trade.Foreign Lawyers want to practice in Indian Courts but will not permit Indian Lawyers to practice in their country.This is what the Bar Council of India is against.Outsourcing of Legal work to India is only to save costs.If American Lawyers charge the same rates ,Will the work be outsourced ?Foreign Lawyers cannot have aspecial status because of Outsourcing.

Once reciprocity is accepted in principle then BCI may review its decison.

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