BCI warns against unauthorised collaborations between Indian and foreign law firms

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has cautioned lawyers and law firms against unauthorised collaborations and tie-ups between Indian and foreign law firms or advocates.

BCI — which regulates the legal profession in India — reiterated that such arrangements are not permissible under the Advocates Act, 1961.

If an Indian law firm projects itself as a part of foreign law firm, it will be prohibited from practising Indian law, BCI said.

“The Bar Council of India has noted with grave concern that certain foreign law firms/advocates/ entities, in association with Indian law firms/advocates, are presenting themselves as unified or integrated global legal service platforms. These combinations are often structured through Swiss Vereins, strategic alliances, exclusive referral models, or joint branding initiatives, and are publicly promoted under combined identities. This portrays to clients and the public at large a de facto integrated legal practice across jurisdictions, including within India,” it said.

Urging all advocates and law firms to audit their websites, media announcements, and social media to remove prohibited content, it advised clients and members of the public to verify consonance with the rules and the registration status of any firm claiming cross-border collaboration.

“Non-compliance after inquiry and finding may lead to reprimand, suspension, or removal from the sphere of what amounts in pith and substance to practice of law. Entities may face directions to cease such arrangements. Individuals in control may face personal consequences,” BCI said.

Under the Bar Council of India Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2023 (as amended in 2025), any entity registered under the rules is required to adhere to strict conditions of disclosure, governance, and compliance.

Foreign law firms are allowed to practice only foreign and international law in non-litigious matters and only after registration under the BCI rules, and they cannot appear before Indian courts or tribunals, draft or advise on Indian law, or participate in any manner that constitutes “practice of law” as defined under the Advocates Act, BCI clarified.