Opening legal sector to foreign firms a commitment, not a compromise: BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra

Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI) Manan Kumar Mishra on Wednesday said that the BCI’s recent amendments to allow the entry of foreign law firms in India are not a compromise, but a “commitment to transparency, fairness and structured reforms.”

“These regulations are not a compromise but a commitment…We believe with the right balance, we can preserve the dignity of Indian legal practice and create a pathway for Indian lawyers to establish their practice globally,” he said.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the BCI to mark the visit of Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, Mishra said:

“The global legal landscape is evolving, demanding thoughtful dialogue. The BCI has in recent times taken certain bold but balanced steps to ensure that India’s legal profession becomes a meaningful part of the international legal ecosystem, while fully preserving its sovereignty.”

He emphasised that the rules have been carefully drafted to ensure that foreign lawyers cannot practise Indian law or appear in Indian courts.

Highlighting the need for such reforms, Mishra noted,

“99% of Indian lawyers practice only Indian law. Only a small faction is involved with foreign law, even then only in a consultative capacity.”

Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (independent charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal invited suggestions from BCI for amending the Advocates Act, 1961.

“Please give some concrete suggestions, so that people should not doubt. I will take it up with the Cabinet after your suggestions,” he said.

Referring to the BCI’s revised regulations on entry of foreign firms, Meghwal reiterated that India had no objection to foreign legal practice as long as it was based on reciprocity.

Atkinson welcomed the BCI’s reforms, calling them an important step forward.

“India is a hugely important jurisdiction for the UK and for the members of the Law Society. That is why we are here today—to look at how we can create opportunities that benefit both our organisations and allow law firms to thrive.”

Referring to the recently announced UK-India Free Trade Agreement and the BCI’s May 2025 amendments, Atkinson said that the UK’s open legal sector already allows Indian lawyers to practise in a range of areas.

“We benefit greatly from the skills and expertise of lawyers qualified in other jurisdictions, including India."

With the UK legal services sector contributing over £57 billion annually to its economy, Atkinson said there is immense potential for collaboration:

“Greater connectivity with the UK legal services market will allow Asian companies to realise their international ambitions within India at a competitive cost.”

Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, echoed the sentiment, remarking,

“We cannot aspire to be the third largest economy in the world with a legal sector that is far behind.”