BCI lands new blow to India liberalisation plans

Bar Council seems to be completely controlled by and talking the sole interests of the very few individuals and familes that own corporate law firms. These owners are determined not to let the legal market open as in the absence of any real competition they can continue to earn astronomical profits and not be bothered by issues such as training and welfare of young lawyers who are actually doing the job or be bothered by increasing the quality of legal services provided to clients to at least meet international standards.The Bar Council has become a tool in the hands of these few rich lawyer-owners and as usual has not bothered to even remotely think of larger issues. Indian clients are increasingly turning to foreign lawyers to get their work done and young Indian lawyers are increasingly leaving the country in search of better training and professional career prospects.India cannot become a global economy unless its lawyers are trained in international practices and partnerships are made transparent and democratic.It's utterly ironical to hear a few individuals expressing concerns about foreign practices affecting justice administration in India!!! All that i can say to such great minds is to get a reality check by talking to their clients.Opening up the sector will indeed affect the entrenched law firm owners in the short term, but in the long run I am sure that Indian practices will give the foreigners a run for their money by first learning from them and then beating them at their own game. I only hope the Government does not give in to the selfishness of a few for the larger good of the economy.

Posted by: Indian Lawyer

20 Nov 2007 | 01:05