The General Counsels’ Association of India requests legal practitioners in organizations be allowed to enroll as advocates, represent employers, and have experience recognized, as part of suggested amendments to the Advocates Act.
The General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) has written to the Law Ministry requesting that legal practitioners working in private or public organisations be allowed to enroll as advocates and represent their employers in court.
This request was part of GCAI’s suggestions submitted to Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal regarding the proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Key Recommendations by GCAI
- Recognition of Legal Practitioners as Advocates The GCAI recommended that legal practitioners engaged in legal work within corporate entities should be allowed to enroll as advocates while employed, permitting them to appear only for their employer during their tenure.
- Legal Practitioners’ Right to Represent Organisations The GCAI also suggested that legal practitioners who do not enroll as advocates should still be permitted to represent their organisations before authorities where non-advocates are allowed to appear.
- Distinction Between “Advocate” and “Legal Practitioner” The Association endorsed the distinction between “Advocate” and “Legal Practitioner” in the Amendment Bill, proposing that Advocates be limited to those enrolled under the Act, while Legal Practitioners should include law graduates working in legal roles within Indian-registered organisations.
- Validation of Legal Practitioners’ Experience The GCAI urged that state bar councils, bar associations, and courts validate the professional experience of legal practitioners based on certifications from their employers.
- Legal Privilege for Legal Practitioners Referring to Section 134 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, the Association advocated for legal practitioners to be recognized as legal advisors, ensuring their communications with employers remain confidential, similar to privileged advocate-client communications.
- Amendment to Section 29 of the Advocates Act The GCAI recommended amending Section 29 to recognize legal practitioners as a distinct category entitled to practice law and enroll under the Act, even while in full-time employment. Additionally, their employment period should be counted as legal practice experience.
- Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners The Association suggested the creation of a Code of Conduct for legal practitioners seeking certification, ensuring that ethical standards are upheld.
Government’s Response
On February 22, the Union Law Ministry announced that the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes significant changes to the Advocates Act, will be revised and subject to fresh public consultation.
This decision comes amid nationwide protests from bar bodies and lawyers against the current draft of the Bill. The Ministry communicated this to the Bar Council of India (BCI) on Saturday, signaling its intent to address concerns raised by legal professionals across the country.
The GCAI welcomed the government’s move, expressing appreciation for the long-overdue revision of the Advocates Act and reaffirming its commitment to providing further inputs once the revised Amendment Bill is open for consultation.
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