Sunday, November 20 2005 11:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: At a time when the Bar Council of India is opposing the entry of foreign lawyers tooth and nail, Britain has opened up opportunities for Indian lawyers willing to practise in that country, especially in the corporate sector.

As a first step, an Indian lawyer aspiring to become a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales no longer has to travel to that country to take the eligibility exam, Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test, as centres are being launched in New Delhi and Mumbai from April next year.

"Indian lawyers are welcome in UK. We are taking steps to increase the accessibility of Indian lawyers to Engligh courts. This is one such step," British High Commissioner Sir Michael Arthur said launching the QLTT in India.

He said the 'positive development' demonstrates the 'growing practical cooperation' between India and the UK, not just in the legal sector but also in so many areas.

Without passing the QLTT, an Indian lawyer could practise only Indian law in England, but would not be able to do activities reserved for solicitors like convincing, applications for probates and litigation.

The tests will be conducted twice a year for a fee of 275 pounds (approximately Rs 22,000).

Urging Indian lawyers to 'grab the opportunity', Director of UK-based Central Law Training (CLT) Paul W Whitehouse said by passing the QLTT, Indian lawyers would be able to offer more comprehensive services to their clients and benefit from an increase in referrals to their firms.

"This should increase the confidence of overseas firms investing in India, as they will be doing business with more Indian lawyers with additional qualifications.