We are supportive of BCI Rules governing entry of foreign law firms: Richard Atkinson, Law Society of England and Wales

President of the Law Society of England and Wales Richard Atkinson is visiting India along with a team of delegates to engage with the Bar Council of India (BCI) on the rules governing the entry of foreign law firms into the country.

Atkinson and team are also meeting the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and other Indian law firms during this trip.

During this visit, Bar & Bench's Pallavi Saluja caught up with Atkinson to discuss his thoughts on the BCI Rules allowing the entry of foreign law firms, concerns of UK law firms regarding the move, their plans of opening offices in India and much more.

Pallavi Saluja (PS): What does the Law Society hope to achieve on this visit to India?

Richard Atkinson (RA): The visit to India gives us an opportunity to continue to collaborate and strengthen our relationship with our Indian counterparts. We are meeting with key stakeholders, including the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice, the BCI, the Solicitor General of India and a senior judge from the Supreme Court. I will also be meeting with Indian law firms and key contacts from the Indian legal sector to hear their views. 

We want to work with our Indian colleagues on matters of mutual interest regarding successful working of the BCI’s amended regulations for foreign lawyers and law firms. This not only benefits our two professions, but it also supports India’s wider economic ambitions of becoming the world’s third largest economy by 2050.

PS: ⁠What were your first thoughts on the amended BCI Rules allowing the entry of foreign law firms into India?

RA: The BCI’s amended rules for the registration and regulation of foreign lawyers and foreign law firms in India were a significant development for our two professions, which we welcomed.

We have been engaging with the BCI as well as the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice for more than two decades working on the internationalisation of the Indian legal sector. Our constructive dialogue and efforts have helped bring this significant development to fruition.

The new rules create huge opportunities for solicitors and Indian advocates in both countries. The BCI and Law Society of England and Wales share the view that opening up the legal profession in India to foreign lawyers and law firms will also benefit the Indian legal sector.

Since the amended regulations were announced, we have continued to work closely with the BCI to make the new rules work for the benefit of both our professions and the wider legal fraternity.

PS:⁠ ⁠In your discussions with UK law firms, what are the clarifications they are seeking from BCI?

RA: The amended rules announced in May 2025 are a step forward as these set out a framework for foreign law firms and foreign lawyers to operate in India. These aim to allow English and Welsh solicitors and law firms to register to practice in India on a permanent basis. However, there are a few challenges on which we are seeking clarifications and undergoing discussions with our colleagues at the BCI including fly-in and fly-out [(FIFO)/temporary presence] rules which entail a mandatory requirement for our firms to submit prior declaration for each visit as well as a fee. We hope to engage in a fruitful dialogue with the BCI and the government to find a mutually beneficial solution which works in practice for both the sides.

I would like to add that we welcome the progress made by the BCI in implementing these amended regulations. We are supportive of the positive stance they have taken in engaging with their key domestic audiences and working for the benefit of the legal fraternity at large. The Law Society stands ready to support the BCI and the Indian legal sector.

PS:⁠ ⁠How do you think the opening up of the Indian legal market will benefit UK lawyers and Indian lawyers?

RA: These amended rules will enable foreign lawyers and foreign law firms to practice foreign law, international law and international arbitration matters in India on the principle of reciprocity, and collaborate with Indian lawyers and law firms.

Given the rapid growth of the Indian economy as well as the expansion of Indian companies abroad and foreign companies in India, the demand on the legal sector is expected to increase. The UK is well placed to support Indian growth through its strength in the provision of legal services.

We believe that an open legal profession will create international business opportunities and contribute to India’s economic growth through greater global connectivity. This will help India fulfil its international ambitions as well as provide opportunities for India’s young legal professionals to develop globally competitive skills and become a leading international legal hub.

PS:⁠ ⁠Do you see UK firms opening offices in India?

RA: India is an immensely important jurisdiction for us and our members. All major international firms headquartered in London have India desks serving corporate clients with business interests in India. Some of these firms will therefore be interested in establishing a permanent presence in India, so there is a strong possibility they will explore this option in order to be closer to their client. The benefit to India is that this work will be carried out on Indian soil and not elsewhere, and the UK firms will bring their   proven expertise into the Indian legal sector.

We believe that the amended BCI Rules are a commendable step forward where the Indian legal profession is showing its willingness to adapt to global legal trends.  The Law Society looks forward to engaging further on the implementation of the amended Rules, based on reciprocity of access, as well as on further initiatives to foster collaboration, cooperation and joint practice between advocates in India and solicitors of England and Wales.