1. The first issue discussed was Rule 8(2)(v), which states that an advocate enrolled with any State Bar Council in India and who is a partner or associate in any foreign law firm can only take up non-litigious matters and advise on laws of countries other than India.
“Such Lawyer shall have no advantage/right of his being an Advocate enrolled in India,” the Rules state.
The Law Society called for fewer or no restrictions on Indian lawyers who work for foreign firms. Mickael Laurans, the Law Society’s Head of International, said it was a question of opportunities for Indian lawyers.
“It is also a question for you (BCI) to decide what you want for Indian lawyers in terms of opportunities to be able to join international law firms and what work they can do as part of that. There may be particular sensitivities around litigation but our preference would be fewer restrictions,” he said.
Emmerson added said that UK lawyers are not at all interested in litigation in India.
BCI agreed to investigate this particular Rule and make certain amendments. However, it also emphasized that Indian lawyers in the UK should be treated with the same reciprocity.
Source: Barandbench
