Panel Discussion by Indian Lawyers Association (ILA) on Why can’t Lawyers Advertise? -October 15, 2022

Event Overview

• Event Name: Panel Discussion by Indian Lawyers Association (ILA) on “Why can’t Lawyers Advertise?”
• Event Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM0YUwnqS5o
• Event Location: Virtual
• Event Date & Time: Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11 AM IST
• Event Objective: To critically examine the prohibition on lawyer advertising in India through a multidisciplinary panel discussion featuring legal practitioners, educators, and journalists. The session aims to explore the rationale behind the ban, assess its implications on access to justice, economic growth, and legal professionalism, and draw comparisons with international legal markets. Furthermore, the discussion seeks to uncover ethical, innovative strategies for legal professionals—especially law students and ADR advocates—to build credibility, visibility, and client engagement without contravening professional conduct rules.

Mr. Navneet Chugh and Mr. Amit Koshal jointly steered the ILA Panel Discussion on “Why Can’t Lawyers Advertise?” with remarkable finesse and synergy. Mr. Chugh set the tone with a thoughtful introduction to the theme and a warm welcome to the distinguished panel, while Mr. Koshal seamlessly navigated the dialogue across diverse facets of the legal advertising debate—including regulatory barriers, comparative international practices, and ethical considerations.

Together, their moderation ensured a cohesive and well-paced conversation, blending legal nuance with accessible reflections. Through incisive questions and inclusive prompts, they fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas among panellists ranging from senior advocates and legal tech founders to academicians and journalists. Their facilitation encouraged active participation during the Q&A, drawing real-world perspectives on how lawyers might ethically build their visibility in a rapidly evolving professional landscape. By anchoring the discussion in both doctrinal relevance and practical insight, Mr. Chugh and Mr. Koshal elevated the conversation into a platform that resonated deeply with practitioners, students, and policymakers alike.

Event Conclusion

The panel brought to light the evolving dynamics of legal service delivery in a globalized, technology-driven world where visibility and access are critical. While the advertising ban in India stems from noble intentions to preserve the sanctity of the legal profession, the discussion highlighted that it may inadvertently hinder transparency, accessibility, and healthy competition. Insights from comparative jurisdictions revealed how calibrated, ethical legal marketing can uphold professional standards while serving public interest. The session concluded with a call to rethink traditional limitations and empower legal professionals—especially young advocates and law school initiatives—with creative, policy-compliant tools to share their expertise, demystify the law, and deepen their societal impact.