India-UK FTA Expected to Expand Opportunities for Small Indian Law Firms

Trade pact likely to increase cross-border legal work across real estate, immigration, M&A, education and labour-intensive sectors

Several small and mid-sized law firms in India are positioning themselves to provide legal support for clients with business interests in the UK as the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) moves closer to implementation.

Industry representatives said the trade pact is expected to simplify cross-border legal work by reducing market access barriers between the two countries. The agreement is also expected to increase demand for legal services in areas including real estate, immigration, education, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory advisory, tax matters, employment law and dispute resolution, creating new opportunities for firms that have traditionally focused on the domestic market.

Some law firms have already started expanding their international presence. Mumbai-based Solicis Lex has established a formal partnership with London-headquartered Child & Child, with additional partnerships expected to follow.

Other firms are also preparing to expand their international capabilities. Ashish K. Singh, managing partner at Capstone Legal, said his firm is collaborating with UK law firms on an as-needed basis and that, once the FTA takes effect, discussions are expected to develop into long-term engagements.

"The FTA is expected to create an immediate need for lawyers who can advise on English and Indian law," said Singh, "a barrister in England & Wales and an advocate in India. There would be an increase in due diligence assignments, dispute resolution-related queries."

India-UK annual bilateral trade currently stands at $56 billion, with a target to double it by 2030, according to data cited in the report. Recently announced Indian government figures also estimate that the agreement could increase bilateral trade to $120 billion by the target year.

With the India-UK FTA becoming operational in July 15, 2026, Indian government estimates indicate that labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, garments, leather, marine products and easing of cash flow friction for Indian technology firms through reciprocal exemption of double social security contributions, could benefit.

The report also referred to the India-UK Trade Agreement and the India-UK Roadmap 2030, which together aim to strengthen bilateral trade and economic engagement.

Historically, the India-UK legal corridor has been dominated by the "magic circle" of five London-based law firms, along with large Indian legal firms operating internationally. Following the FTA, boutique legal practices are expected to explore opportunities in cost-sensitive, high-net-worth individual and HNI-focused legal work.

"The FTA could democratise access to cross-border mandates, especially for firms with deep expertise in specific sectors," said Ruchi Khatalwala, partner at Humi Little & Co. "We have been receiving queries from several mid-sized London law firms, particularly in the areas of real estate, succession and banking & finance, to explore potential arrangements."

According to the report, part of this interest is linked to the shared legal heritage between India and the UK. Many legal principles in both jurisdictions trace their roots to the colonial period.

"As a result, it is easier for Indian law firms to establish presence in the UK."