Collaboration within legal sector can drive UK-India growth: Law Society of England and Wales President Mark Evans

President of the Law Society of England and Wales, Mark Evans recently said that strengthening legal sector ties between the United Kingdom and India is crucial for driving economic growth, trade, and cross-border collaboration during his recent visit to India.

In his opening remarks at the round table discussion held on April 6, Evans said,

“India is a hugely important jurisdiction for the UK. Our countries have strong cultural, historical, and legal ties. Events like today’s are so important for maintaining these links and harnessing our shared potential. As you know, harnessing the power of the legal sector is key to securing economic growth and prosperity for both nations.”

A delegation from the Law Society of England & Wales, led by its 181st President Mark Evans, recently visited India for a series of high-level engagements and discussions on legal sector cooperation, including a round table with Indian stakeholders in New Delhi.

The delegation, which included International Policy Adviser Preeti Sawhney, met the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, the Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, the Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, and the Chairman of the Bar Council of India Manan Kumar Mishra, among other stakeholders during the visit.

The visit commenced with a round table at Advocate-on-Record Tanvi Dubey’s chambers, attended by several senior advocates, law firm partners and general counsels.

In her opening remarks, Dubey underscored the need for constructive engagement between Indian and foreign legal systems while preserving the autonomy of the domestic bar. She noted that recent Bar Council of India developments could facilitate a structured and reciprocal framework for foreign participation.

Expanding on the theme of collaboration, Evans said the Law Society actively works with governments and professional bodies in both jurisdictions to promote knowledge sharing and cooperation.

“At the Law Society, we regularly engage with the UK and Indian governments, as well as with other trade and professional bodies, to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two jurisdictions. The UK’s open legal sector allows Indian lawyers to practise in a range of areas, establish an office, and work alongside UK qualified lawyers,” observed Evans.

He highlighted that such openness has enabled deeper integration between the two legal systems, while also creating opportunities for cross-border practice and professional exchange.

“The international reach of legal services is highly important for the global impact of our sector, acting as a facilitator for growth and supporting trade, investment and the ease of doing business. Domestically, we greatly benefit from the contribution of international lawyers, including those from India. We are privileged to gain the skills and expertise from those qualified in other jurisdictions,” added Evans.

On regulatory developments in India, Evans welcomed the BCI’s move to operationalise amended rules governing foreign lawyers, while acknowledging practical hurdles.

“The Bar Council of India’s announcement in May 2025, confirming the implementation of the amended regulations for foreign lawyers and law firms, marks a significant and welcome step forward. However, challenges remain, and to date no foreign law firm has been able to establish in India,” he noted.

The discussion identified key areas for foreign participation, including advisory work, international arbitration and cross-border transactions, while reiterating that court practice should remain restricted to Indian advocates.

Participants at the round table broadly supported greater cooperation while emphasising the need for a balanced approach.

Senior Advocate Arvind Nayar described closer engagement as timely and beneficial for both jurisdictions, pointing to longstanding historical and cultural ties.

From an industry perspective, Hyundai Motors’ Chief Legal Officer Amitabh Lal Das said allowing foreign firms to operate in India could improve client choice, reduce costs associated with “fly-in, fly-out” models, and ensure greater tax transparency.

Raghav Shukla, a former in-house counsel, framed the discussion around two key streams of legal practice, dispute resolution and advisory work. He suggested that while court practice remains restricted, significant value could be unlocked through advisory and cross-border collaboration.

Founding Partner at TKC Partners, Zafar Kurshid, stressed the need for continued dialogue and a balanced approach to liberalisation.

“It’s important that these conversations continue and that members of the legal fraternity from different backgrounds are a key part of the necessary dialogues as liberalization needs to done through a wholistic, balanced approach which addresses both the concerns of the domestic industry, as well as fostering foreign competition and collaboration. Liberalization of the legal profession in India is not merely a welcome evolution of the industry, but a practical necessity to support the strengthening UK-India business corridor.” he said.

The visit concluded with Evans interacting with law students and advising those considering higher legal studies in the UK.