Can a UK lawyer Practise in India?

Asked by: Giovanni Marquardt  |  Last update: January 9, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (64 votes)

The answer is, yes, you can! The Bar Council of India recognises a law degree from 45 UK universities where you can study law and practice it later in India.

Can UK lawyers practice in India?

International Law Firms and Foreign Lawyers Can Now Practice Law in India. Foreign lawyers and foreign law firms can practice foreign law in India on a reciprocity basis, under the “BCI Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022”.

Can I work in India with an UK law degree?

What do you need to qualify as a lawyer in India? An LLB from the University of Manchester is recognised by the Bar Council of India and graduates returning to India to pursue a legal career to apply for registration at their State Bar Council, which will then file this application to the Bar Council of India.

Does a UK power of attorney work in India?

Without adhering to the specific legalities of this process, the Power of Attorney document will not be accepted by the Indian authorities. Firstly, the Power of Attorney will have to be notarized by a Notary Public. It is important to find a Notary Public who knows the intricacies of Indian legal documents.

Can a US citizen practice law in India?

Foreign lawyers and firms can now register in India but with specific restrictions. Their practice is limited to international law advisory and transactional work. They cannot represent clients in Indian courts, handle litigation, or advise on Indian law.

What are the conditions for Indian lawyers to practice in United Kingdom

17 related questions found

Can a foreign lawyer work in India?

Although permitted to practice in India, foreign lawyers must fulfill the eligibility criteria laid down by the Bar Council of India. To be eligible to practice law in India, foreign lawyers with a degree: Must be eligible to practice in their country. Must register with the Bar Council of India.

Is US law degree valid in India?

If you study law in the U.S. you may not be able to practice law in India unless I assume you take a Bar conversion course or a solicitors qualification. From experience, American law is quite different from the law in a Common law jurisdiction, especially in the approach of understanding.

Does India follow UK law?

Under the Indian Independence Act, 1947 (10 & 11 Geo. VI, c. 30) India became a Dominion with sovereign legislative power to affect or repeal all the existing laws including the Government of India Act, 1935 and the British statutes which were thought to have been extended to India.

Is UK notary valid in India?

After notarisation, you must obtain an Apostille stamp from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This stamp ensures that the document is recognised in India under the Hague Convention, eliminating the need for legalisation by the Indian High Commission.

Is a UK power of attorney valid abroad?

Some countries will recognise the documents (provided they are valid in England and Wales) and allow them to be used. But even then, there may be further requirements. The document may need to be translated and many legal systems will insist on an 'apostille' being affixed.

Which countries accept the UK law degree?

Destinations you can work in with a UK law degree
  • Canada: Canada is an attractive destination for UK law graduates due to its robust legal system and diverse opportunities. ...
  • Australia: Australia offers UK law graduates a sunny climate, outdoor social lifestyle, and a familiar legal system. ...
  • United States: ...
  • Hong Kong:

Can an OCI holder practice law in India?

On your question: OCIs can be lawyers in India. There is a GOI notification re the same. Get an OCI card after your citizenship change and you should be fine.

Is doing LLB in the UK worth it?

High standard of teaching, research led programmes and emphasis on practical law skills are among some of the reasons why a UK law degree is so valued. Because a UK law degree is respected globally by many employers, you'll have the option to pursue your career in many countries, not just in the UK.

Is British law degree valid in India?

The answer is, yes, you can!

Additionally, a Law degree will give you an advantage while practising as the legal system of the colonial past was transported to all the colonies, including India.

Can a British lawyer practice in USA?

Yes. However, most jurisdictions require holders of foreign law degrees to have an additional legal degree, such as a J.D. or LL. M., from an ABA-accredited law school in the United States.

Who can practice as lawyer in India?

You must have an LLB degree or equivalent law degree recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI). Your minimum educational qualification should be: 10+2 or equivalent examination. A bachelor's degree in any discipline (3-year course)

Is a UK Power of Attorney valid in India?

Steps to Create a Valid POA for Use in India

Ensure it meets all the specific requirements of the Indian Powers of Attorney Act, 1882. Notarisation and Attestation in the UK: Once the POA is drafted, it needs to be signed and attested by a Notary Public in the UK.

Is US notary valid in India?

Yes, online notarization is legal and secure to use in India. All transactions through the Notarize platform undergo a dynamic, multi-factor authentication process.

Can a lawyer notarize a document in India?

by Act 25 of 1968, sec. 2 and Sch., for "any part of India" (w.e.f. 15-8-1968). administrator thereof.] any part of India, and any State Government, for the whole or any part of the State, may appoint as notaries any legal practitioners or other persons who possess such qualifications as may be prescribed.

Can a lawyer from India practice in UK?

From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.

Can UK nationals live in India?

British citizens who intend to move to India from UK will need to apply for a long-term visa. Living in India will include not only obtaining the right type of visa, but also subsequent changes for securing healthcare, accommodation, or issues regarding one's driver's license.

Which countries follow UK law?

Common Law systems include Ireland, most of the United Kingdom (England and Wales and Northern Ireland), Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, India (excluding Goa),Pakistan, South Africa, Canada (excluding Quebec), Hong Kong and the United States.

Can US lawyers practice in India?

Recently, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has notified Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022, allowing foreign lawyers and law firms to practice in India.

Which foreign degrees are valid in India?

As per the regulations, qualifications obtained by the students from Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) through regular mode shall be recognised and granted equivalence provided the qualification has been awarded by a FHEI, that is duly recognised in its home country.

What are the top law firms in India?

Top Law Firms In India
  • Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
  • Trilegal India.
  • Khaitan & Co.
  • J Sagar And Associates(JSA)
  • DSK Legal.
  • AZB & Partners.
  • Anand & Anand.
  • Vaish associates.