Enhanced flexibility between the legal professions in India and the United Kingdom is essential for fostering trade and strengthening bilateral relations, according to Richard Hermer KC, the Attorney General for England and Wales. Speaking at a legal event in London organized by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP), the Law Society of England and Wales, and the General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI), Hermer emphasized the mutual benefits of closer cooperation.
“The more flexibility we have between our legal professions, the better we are going to serve our combined vision of greater prosperity for Britain and for India,” Hermer stated. His remarks underscored the potential for collaborative growth, anchored in a shared commitment to the rule of law and common law principles. He highlighted the intertwined histories and values that both nations’ legal systems share, suggesting significant opportunities for synergy.
During the event, Pallavi Saluja, Editor at Bar & Bench, engaged Hermer in a discussion regarding the exclusion of legal services from the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), finalized in May 2025. While Hermer refrained from delving into specifics, he highlighted the ongoing convergence of legal professions and services between the two countries. “We move ever closer with our legal professions and legal services,” he remarked, pointing to the critical role that legal systems play in supporting economic activity and commerce.
Hermer elaborated on the notion of “full reciprocity” in light of new Bar Council of India regulations that allow foreign lawyers to practice in India on a limited, non-litigation basis. He emphasized the importance of openness and collaboration, noting that greater flexibility between the UK and Indian legal communities would benefit not only the legal sectors but also the broader business landscapes in both nations.
When questioned about London’s status as a preferred seat for international arbitration, particularly for India-related disputes amid rising competition from places like Singapore and Dubai, Hermer was optimistic. “We provide certainty,” he said, praising the common law system’s balance of certainty and flexibility. He lauded the quality of the UK judiciary and arbitration facilities, affirming London’s suitability for resolving international disputes.
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Hermer further reinforced the importance of the India–UK relationship, emphasizing mutual respect for the rule of law as a foundation for economic prosperity in a globalized context. He stated, “In today’s globalised economy, nations that respect the rules of the game are nations that prosper.”
He also acknowledged India’s regulatory advancements concerning foreign lawyers as a pivotal moment for its integration into the global legal market. “The Bar Council of India’s regulation of foreign lawyers is at a significant juncture,” Hermer noted, highlighting the broader implications for India’s role in the global legal landscape.
Concluding his address, Hermer expressed optimism about the future, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to its partnership with India. “Let me conclude with pleasure by reaffirming the United Kingdom’s commitment to our partnership with India that we believe will shape the decades ahead. The opportunities ahead are enormous,” he concluded.
