Dentons Link Legal fully Compliant With All Laws Including The Advocates Act

Dentons Link Legal fully compliant with all laws including the Advocates Act

Dentons Link Legal has affirmed that its combination with the global law firm Dentons is fully compliant with all applicable Indian laws, including the Advocates Act, amid recent scrutiny from the Bar Council of India (BCI).

In an official statement, the firm clarified, Dentons Link Legal

“We are an Indian registered law firm which is wholly owned, controlled, and managed by Indian advocates and squarely falls under the definition of ‘Indian Law Firm’ under the applicable Bar Council of India Rules. Our combination with Dentons has been and continues to be fully compliant with all laws including the Advocates Act.”

BCI Highlights Improper Legal Structures in Global Tie-Ups

The BCI, however, has raised concerns over certain foreign tie-ups. In a recent press release, the Council stated,

“These combinations are often structured through Swiss Vereins, strategic alliances, exclusive referral models, or joint branding initiatives, which are then publicly promoted under combined identities (e.g., Dentons Link Legal and CMS INDUSLAW), thereby portraying to clients and the public at large a de facto integrated legal practice across jurisdictions, including within India.”

The Council emphasized that such structures — if implemented without registration under the Bar Council of India Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2023 (as amended in 2025) — are not permissible.

“Any arrangement that creates a joint platform, uses a unified brand, involves co-branding of legal services, or results in shared client servicing without registration is in contravention of the Rules,” the press release added.

Violation of Foreign Lawyers Rules & SC Judgment Reiterated

The BCI also referenced the Supreme Court’s AK Balaji judgment, reiterating that foreign law firms are barred from practicing law in India either directly or through alliances. It noted that formal notices are being sent to the concerned firms seeking full disclosures and documentation of such arrangements.

“Failure to comply may result in action under the Advocates Act, 1961 and the Rules, including proceedings for professional misconduct, penalties, etc.”

Additionally, the Council warned that any Indian or foreign firm found in breach would be dealt with “firmly and in accordance with law.”

Dentons Link Legal Responds to BCI Communication

In response to the BCI’s scrutiny, Atul Sharma, Executive Chairman, Nusrat Hassan, Managing Partner, and Anand Srivastava, Managing Partner, of Dentons Link Legal, reaffirmed the firm’s adherence to all regulatory frameworks,

“We will issue an appropriate response to the Bar Council of India’s communication, affirming our compliance with the Bar Council of India Rules.”

The firm emphasized that its operations remain fully aligned with Indian regulations, and its structure continues to meet all legal standards. With offices across Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, GIFT City, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Noida, Dentons Link Legal concluded,

“We remain committed to serving our clients across India.”