CMS Induslaw rejected the accusation of the Indian Bar Association concerning the violation of the Indian legal and regulatory framework of the law firm.
“We strongly refute any imputation that the rules have been violated. We are an independent Indian law firm that practices only Indian law. CMS Induslaw remains fully within all relevant rules and regulations,” he said.
The Doning Office’s denial is monitored by a BCI circular, which calls an alliance between CMS and Induslaw unauthorized, unregistered and inadmissible.
‘BCI with serious concern noted that some foreign legal companies, in cooperation with Indian legal companies, are adhered to as united or integrated platforms for global legal services… The Council confirms that such structures are carried out and operated without previous registration under the previous backup council for registration and regulations of foreign lawyers and foreign lawyers in India.
On May 28, Induslaw announced its highly anticipated strategic alliance with the Global Law Office of CMS. The aim of the partnership is to increase the international range of Induslaw and at the same time give CMS support on the market for previously closed foreign legal players.
Bar Counds raised concerns that these contracts are often structured through “Swiss Vereins, Strategic Alliances, Exclusive Recommendations or Common Brands Initiatives, which are then publicly promoted in combined identities, showing for clients and publicly deactively integrated legal practice across jurisdictions.”
Vereins Swiss is a model of legal partnership that allows two companies to work under one brand but maintains independent financial and legal identities.
Meanwhile, since the law firm was issued a notice of the cause, the CMS Induslaw said: “BCI announcements and press release seem to be based on a misleading idea and believe that we will deal reasonably in our answer.”
The Council also explained that the continuation of the use of a combined brand, such as the “CMS Induslaw”, can be considered a violation of Aprima Facia and an aggravating factor in the future determination of liability.
CMS is an international law firm based in Germany with 72 offices in 41 countries. It offers a wide range of clients, from multinational companies to startups.
The BCI reiterated that the regulatory framework adopted in May 2025 allows foreign lawyers and companies to practice foreign or international law in India – reciprocity, BCI registration and strict prohibition for practicing Indian law or court disputes unless the BCI rules are fully compliance.
In its circulation, the BCI explained that the “practice of rights” includes legal advice, preparing documents, designing contracts, negotiations and related services – not just a court performance. Even indirect cross -border cooperation may therefore be unauthorized legal practice, unless there is registration under the BCA defense and rules Act.
(Tagstotranslate) BCI rules
