Since the early 1990s India has progressively liberalized its economy to become fully integrated in the globalization process becoming one of the fastest growing economies in the world. This situation stands in sharp contrast with its legal services market, which remains totally closed to foreign lawyers. Nevertheless, economic developments as well as intense lobbying of foreign legal services suppliers have pressed the Indian government to liberalize its legal services market. However, the Indian government has faced fierce resistance from domestic lawyers. As a result, the situation has been paralyzed for over two decades with the government delaying action. Within this context, the conclusion of free trade agreement with the EU and the potential gains for the Indian economy has become a powerful incentive for liberalization. This article aims to analyze the role and consequences of this agreement in the liberalization of legal services in India.
Global Trade and Customs Journal