General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) Seeks Statutory Recognition for General Counsels and In-House Counsels
The General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) has taken a significant step towards gaining statutory recognition for general counsels and in-house counsels as legal practitioners in India. In a meeting with Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the GCAI submitted a representation highlighting the importance of regulating and recognizing these legal professionals who play a crucial role in the corporate sector.
Currently, general counsels and in-house counsels are qualified lawyers employed by corporations for legal work but are not allowed to practice as ‘Advocates’ or hold membership in the Bar Council during their employment. The GCAI emphasized that with over 500,000 legal practitioners in India, it is essential to provide them with due recognition and regulation under Indian laws.
Dr. Sanjeev Gemawat, President of GCAI, expressed the association’s vision to create a distinct professional identity for general counsels and institutionalize the in-house legal function as a specialized stream of legal practice. The meeting with Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was seen as a positive step towards achieving this vision, with the Minister assuring fair consideration for the proposed amendments.
The GCAI believes that the amendments suggested in their representation align with recent progressive steps taken by the Bar Council of India, such as allowing foreign law firms and lawyers to practice in India. By granting recognition to general counsels, not only will their rights and status be restored, but they will also be integrated into the legal ecosystem, benefiting both the corporate sector and society at large.
The association expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in this initiative, especially its founders who have been instrumental in advocating for the recognition of general counsels in India. This development marks a significant milestone in the legal landscape of the country, paving the way for a more inclusive and regulated legal profession.
