The Bar Council of England and Wales, in collaboration with leading members of the Indian Bar, will be hosting a one-day Family Law Symposium in New Delhi this week (Saturday 11 October) to explore contemporary cross-border issues and dispute resolution in family law.
Our event is part of a broader delegation visit to India that will continue our dialogue with the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the wider profession. This visit builds on previous work as the Bar Council of England and Wales has nearly two decades of experience working collaboratively with colleagues in India to organise events, discussions, and joint advocacy programmes.
As part of the trip starting today, the delegation wants to discuss the next steps following regulatory changes in India announced in 2023 and updated in 2025 that apply to foreign lawyers. The trip will also focus on supporting India’s ambition to become a regional hub for international arbitration.
Chair of the Bar Barbara Mills KC said: “Our aim is to strengthen the existing relationship between the Bar Council of England and Wales and India. This work includes sharing expertise in arbitration and advocacy, supporting India’s ambition to become a regional hub for dispute resolution and learning from the rich experience of Indian lawyers.
“I am keen to have an exchange of ideas with Indian family lawyers on topics of mutual importance and to connect over an area of practice that carries both unique challenges and rewards. Divorce, child custody, relocation and the enforcement of financial orders remain issues that impact families in both countries and can be challenging both from a legal perspective and personally for those affected. These are areas where stronger cooperation and ties between lawyers in our respective jurisdictions will make a really positive difference.
“This visit is very much about continuing dialogue and discussions, including how the new regulatory framework for foreign lawyers can operate in practice, in a way that benefits legal professionals in India as well as in England and Wales.
“Our visit this week is part of a sustained programme of engagement that involves joint training events, knowledge sharing and collaboration between lawyers. Ultimately, we hope this visit will help create new opportunities for lawyers while reinforcing the rule of law and improving access to justice in both jurisdictions.”
Our event in New Delhi is entitled: Family Law Symposium 2025 – Bridging Perspectives Between England and Wales and India. It takes place on Saturday 11 October from 10:30am to 3:30pm.