BCI Flags CMS-IndusLaw and Dentons Link Legal Tie-Ups As Violative Of Foreign Law Firm Regulations
BCI Flags CMS-IndusLaw and Dentons Link Legal Tie-Ups as Violative of Foreign Law Firm Regulations
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a notice raising serious objections to the combinations between Indian and foreign law firms — particularly pointing out CMS IndusLaw and Dentons Link Legal — as being in breach of India’s legal framework governing such collaborations.
BCI Highlights Improper Legal Structures in Global Tie-Ups
A press release issued by the BCI states,
The Council affirms that such structures, if implemented and operationalised without prior registration under the Bar Council of India Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2023 (as amended in 2025) (hereinafter, the “Rules”), are impermissible.”
Violation of Updated 2025 Foreign Lawyers Rules
The BCI has drawn attention to the amended 2025 Rules, which clearly state that any arrangement involving an Indian-Foreign Law Firm must be registered under the prescribed regulatory framework. The Council emphasized that such combinations cannot operate merely on the basis of marketing or strategic alignment unless they comply with the legal requirement.
the press release stated.
SC Judgment Reiterated; Notices to Be Sent
The BCI reinforced its position by referring to the Supreme Court's ruling in the AK Balaji case, which prohibits foreign law firms from engaging in legal practice in India, directly or indirectly, through tie-ups or alliances.
The Council further revealed that formal notices will be dispatched to the concerned firms.
Firms and Stakeholders Warned of Strict Compliance
The BCI concluded the release by cautioning the legal community — both Indian and foreign — to strictly observe the updated rules.
Context: Exclusive Partnerships Under Question
The regulatory action follows CMS’s May 2025 announcement that IndusLaw had joined its network as a member firm, forming an exclusive collaboration to route CMS work in India through IndusLaw. As confirmed by IndusLaw co-founder Gaurav Dani,
In May 2023, Dentons and Indian law firm Link Legal announced a similar collaboration, which was later renamed as Dentons Link Legal.
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