The chair of the American Bar Association Section of International Law has criticised India for its restrictive attitude towards foreign lawyers. Marcelo Bombau, in an interview with Metropolitan Counsel, whilst noting that attitudes were softening, asked: '.. Why does corporate counsel at a US company have to turn to an attorney in India rather than the attorney with whom he or she is accustomed to working?'  

Softening of attitudes

He said the ABA had been working with delegations from the India Bar and the Society of Indian Law Firms on loosening such restrictions. 'The good news is that the recent change in government in India has produced an official softening of the attitudes towards foreign lawyers establishing in India. Still, the nature and extent of any forthcoming changes are uncertain...' It is one of the topics which will be discussed at the ABA Spring meeting with Lalit Bhasin, of New Delhi firm Bhasin & Co who is president of the Society of Indian Law Firms. The event will be held in Washington from 28 April to 2 May. Source: Metropolitan Counsel