Globalisation And Protectionism: A Study On Opening The Indian Legal Sector To Foreign Lawyers
- IJLLR Journal
- Jan 9
- 1 min read
Raksha G.M, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore Central Campus
ABSTRACT
"India's accession to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) obligates it to liberalize various service sectors, including legal services, at a global level. In response, the Bar Council of India (BCI) recently issued the “BCI Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022” permitting foreign legal practitioners to operate in non-litigious matters within the country though India has not made any such commitment in its schedule of GATS. This research critically examines whether this development is a boon or a bane for Indian advocates. The paper evaluates the implications of this move on the domestic legal profession, considering aspects such as competition, professional opportunities, knowledge exchange, and regulatory challenges. By analyzing the economic and professional impact on Indian lawyers, the study identifies potential benefits like skill enhancement and global integration, alongside challenges such as market competition and disparities in regulatory frameworks. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that safeguards domestic legal practitioners while embracing global best practices. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the globalization of legal services in India."
