The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) has urged its member law firms to discourage the mass poaching of lawyers.

In his letter, Bhasin said,

“SILF has a Code of Conduct which requires certain basic courtesies and consideration on the part of the law firms when permitting or encouraging Partners / Associates of other law firms to join them.”

He added that while it is open to any individual practicing lawyer to leave any law firm and join some other law firm, the former law firm should observe basic courtesy and inform the Managing Partners of the affected law firm regarding the movement of the lawyer in question.

"What is more serious and damaging is the law firms themselves inducing lawyers of other law firms to join them," says Bhasin in his letter.

He has referred to some recent "disappointing" attempts of poaching, which are undisclosed in the letter.

“This mass poaching ought to be not only discouraged but also discontinued. Proper ethics ought to be observed and SILF should be a role model for good practices which are integrated into our noble profession.”