Why Law Firms are eyeing up India expansion

India has finally opened its doors to foreign law firms—sort of. What sounds like a golden ticket could easily become a regulatory minefield.

In this deep dive, we break down what the new rules actually mean, the billion-dollar opportunities law firms are chasing, and the hidden risks that just triggered a crackdown on two major firms.

What's going on?

On 14 May 2025, the Bar Council of India (BCI) announced game-changing amendments allowing foreign law firms to establish offices in India. After two years of deliberation, this marks the most significant liberalisation of India’s legal sector in decades—and global firms are taking notice.

Why This Matters

The new rules allow foreign firms to:

• Open offices in India for non-litigious transactional work.
• Handle arbitration proceedings seated in India.
• Operate under a structured regime involving registration fees, renewals, and compliance requirements.

While courtroom advocacy remains off-limits, this is a green light for transactional and disputes practices that have long managed India-related deals from hubs like London, Singapore, and Dubai.

What’s Driving the Move?