The Bar Council of India (BCI) has cautioned lawyers and law firms against unauthorised collaborations and tie-ups between Indian and foreign law firms or advocates.

BCI — which regulates the legal profession in India — reiterated that such arrangements are not permissible under the Advocates Act, 1961.

If an Indian law firm projects itself as a part of foreign law firm, it will be prohibited from practising Indian law, BCI said.

“The Bar Council of India has noted with grave concern that certain foreign law firms/advocates/ entities, in association with Indian law firms/advocates, are presenting themselves as unified or integrated global legal service platforms. These combinations are often structured through Swiss Vereins, strategic alliances, exclusive referral models, or joint brand

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