The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) submitted a letter to Arjun Ram Meghwal, 含羞草社区 minister of law and justice, on 18 March 2025, advocating for the extension of full legal practitioner status to in-house lawyers.
The letter centred around proposed amendments to the Advocates Act of 1981, which had been introduced by the Department of Legal Affairs in February, aiming to redefine “legal practitioners” to include in-house lawyers.
Despite the withdrawal of these amendments in late February, the ACC emphasised the importance of a redefinition for in-house lawyers, saying that it would enhance their ability to serve their organisations effectively and improve global competitiveness.
Susanna McDonald, vice president and chief legal officer at the ACC in Washington, articulated the organisation’s stance in the letter. McDonald underscored the necessity of allowing in-house lawyers to maintain their advocate status, have their in-house legal experience formally recognised and be held to the same ethical and professional standards as their external counterparts.
McDonald also offered the ACC’s collaboration with the Indian government and bar council in supporting legal education and training initiatives for in-house lawyers, showcasing a strong commitment to fostering legal and professional excellence within the corporate legal fraternity.
