Addressing an audience at the Global Exhibition on Services, the Prime Minister said: 'Why should we need to go outside the country for arbitration? We shouldn't think that if foreign lawyers come here they would take away our jobs.' Mr Modi is encouraging a stance which is now being developed by the Society of Indian Law Firms - a body which used to oppose the entry of foreign lawyers but which now is in favour.
Phased entry
Statistics show that of India's 1.2m lawyers, over 1m are involved in litigation and are not expected to lose work to foreigners. It appears far more likely that the transactions and corporate lawyers will face more competition. The Society has designed a phased approach for letting in foreign firms.
Age restriction
The Society would allow foreigners to practice in 'defined areas of Indian law'. Individuals would need at least seven years of post-qualification experience and would need to be at least 35. Source: Bar and Bench
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