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Is it possible to practice in India with a foreign degree?

Law School
ajay29 15 Feb 2011, 13:56

Hey People,

I’m new to LI. Will be appearing for 12th this year.

I have a question..

Will I be eligible to practice law in India after getting a law degree from a foreign country? Particularly, the EU countries, Philippines, Malaysia or Russia!

I dont have any specific reason for considering an abroad study in Law, but will be more than happy to get real answers for my question.

And in case I would not be eligible for practicing in BCI, will I still be qualified to apply to various Indian law firms?

I have some cousins in Russia and Singapore so going there wouldnt be any problem to me..

I’m also applying to CLAT this year..

waiting for replies.:)

7 Replies

ankit_chaz 21 Feb 2011, 11:20

I dont think this question is frivolous! (how come there are so many views but no replies!!)

Ajay, good question! I’ve been thinking the same thing.

However, I dont even have the slightest bit of idea on this study abroad stuff.

Let’s wait until someone replies :)

kianganz 21 Feb 2011, 11:35

Hi, sorry no one replied earlier…

But this thread here talks at length about it:

http://www.legallyindia.com/Law-firms-chat/244-Can-foreign-nationals-of-Indian-origin-be-Advocates/Page-2#860

I think the answer is no, you can not practice as a foreign lawyer in India.

However, some law firms might hire you into a business development or non-fee-earning role, or a more complicated fee-earner/consultant role. Still, getting such a job is not easy when a fresh graduate, so consider your options very carefully, I guess…

ankit_chaz 27 Feb 2011, 17:54

Thanks for the reply sir.

raj_0886 28 Feb 2011, 18:27

if the degree is recognised by BAR Council of india then u can practice by obtaining law degree from forigen nation..

ajay29 28 Feb 2011, 19:42

@kianganz: Thanks! That was pretty intense! helped.

@raj_0886: You’re very correct. I visited the BCI website and it broadly says the same thing.

thanks!

kianganz 7 Mar 2011, 08:55

Hi - maybe I should have been slightly clearer also.

If you are not of Indian heritage at all, then you can not practice here. If you are an NRI, PIO, etc, then as Raj rightly said you may be able to practice if you take the transfer test after studying at one of the BCI’s qualifying Universities.

AnonymousLLB 14 Apr 2011, 22:11

But you can be an in house counsel.

Regardless, Russia is an can be a good jurisdiction to study and practice law especially in sectors such as oil & gas, mining. It would be important to learn the local language and if you do you may even land a job with a top international firm.

Good luck.

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