Don't Wipe Out Law Firms, Set Up Law Parks

New Delhi, Oct 19 (UNI) Authorities were urged today to ''create alternate commercial space'' for law firms in New Delhi before sealing their existing offices, especially given plans to open up India's legal services sector to foreign law firms.

On one hand, the government is keen to open up the legal sector to foreign lawyers and law firms, on the other, offices of some leading Indian law firms have been sealed, journalists were told by spokesmen for a Society of Indian Law Firms.

''Total chaos and hardship'' was the result, senior advocate O P Vaish, advocate Lalit Bhasin and Luthra and Luthra managing partner Rajiv Luthra told a news meet called by SILF to suggest setting up Law Parks along the lines of IT parks.

In a statement, the spokesmen said professional activities ''have always been distinguished'' from commercial activity that could cause any disruption for the neighbourhood they operate in.

''If the government and the courts feel that law offices cannot be allowed to operate in their current offices then it is obligatory on their part to create and provide areas specifically earmarked for professional activities on the same lines as IT parks.'' It stressed developing law parks ''within the municipal limits of the cities'' and making them ''available to professional entities such as law firms on reasonable terms.'' Mr Bhasin said law firms were an integral part of the services sector ''which is leading the growth push in the economy.'' But he said instead of taking steps to empower Indian firms, ''attempts are being made to wipe out the law firms out of existence at least in Delhi.'' At the same time, Mr Bhasin made it clear Indian law firms were not against foreign firms as long as there is ''level playing field.'' The advocates criticised the authorities' failure to carry out planned development for several decades ''even though such steps were earmarked in the master plans.'' ''We urge the authorities and courts to let the status quo prevail, until alternate arrangements such as law parks are made.'' Demanding a level playing field, they pointed to several areas in which foreign lawyers have distinct advantages in terms of facilities at their command.

Indian lawyers cannot even set up web sites or print brochures or make entries in directories which amount to advertisement by Indian standards. Indian law firms cannot have more than 20 partners.

Opening up the legal services sector to foreign law firms will cause serious damage to the Indian law firms. There are also issues relating to reciprocity in the matter of right to practice and recognition of law degrees.

''With such impediments and handicaps how do Indian lawyers and particularly law firms meet the challenge of foreign law firms entering India?'' They said Indian law firms excel in such equities as entrepreneurial spirit, intellectual brilliance and professional knowledge, but could not match the resources of foreign law firms.

Being very large, foreign firms have huge resources and can buy expensive commercial space in best locations.

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