A referral and co-counsel relationship for Japanese law firms that need independent Indian counsel for a client. It runs on strict non-solicitation, rapid conflict clearance and a written allocation of Indian-law and foreign-law responsibility.
The client relationship stays with the instructing Japanese firm. AMLEGALS does not approach the firm client and communicates only through the agreed channel.
For routine matters with counterparties identified, AMLEGALS aims to confirm conflict status within 12 hours on a business day, and flags where a longer check is required.
A written matrix records Indian-law and foreign-law responsibility, communication, document production, filing, advocacy and consolidated reporting.
Indian-law work is delivered through the TCL (Technical, Commercial, Legal) Framework so technical, commercial and legal issues are traced consistently in the record.
The allocation below is the default starting point. It is confirmed and adjusted in writing for each matter before substantive work begins.
| Area | Default owner | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Indian law | AMLEGALS | Advice, drafting and opinions on Indian statutes, rules, approvals and forums. |
| Foreign and Japanese law | Instructing firm | All advice on the law of Japan and any third jurisdiction. |
| Client communication | Instructing firm | Primary client contact, unless the firm requests direct coordination in writing. |
| Document production | As allocated | Ownership of drafting, review and version control recorded at intake. |
| Filing and advocacy | AMLEGALS | Indian regulatory filings and appearances before Indian forums, where instructed. |
| Consolidated reporting | As allocated | Single point responsible for combining outputs into the agreed reporting format. |
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Conflict check requested | Counterparty and entity names received; check in progress. |
| Cleared | No conflict identified; scope and responsibility allocation can be agreed. |
| Conditional | Clearance subject to an information barrier or further counterparty detail. |
| Unable to act | A conflict is identified; AMLEGALS declines and confirms in writing. |
A conflict check is an administrative step and is not legal advice. It does not create an engagement between the firms.
Provide the firm details and the counterparties and entities involved. Please do not send substantive documents until conflict clearance and secure intake are confirmed.
Authority basis: Bar Council of India Rules on professional conduct; principles of client confidentiality and conflict management applicable to Indian advocates; engagement governed by written co-counsel terms agreed between the firms.
Analysis: AMLEGALS India Business Legal Intelligence Centre.
Author: AMLEGALS Knowledge Team. Legally reviewed by: Anandaday Misshra, Founder and Managing Partner.
Published: 31 August 2026. Last legally reviewed: 31 August 2026. Jurisdiction: India.
Change log: 31 August 2026 - first publication.