General Counsels across India
voice of in-house legal counsels
Welcome to the General Counsels’ Association of India
The General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) is a body formed and managed by in-house legal counsel with a vision to create a distinct professional identity for General Counsels and institutionalise this profession as a separate specialised stream of legal practice with due recognition.
Goals
The General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) aims to be the premier association addressing the diverse needs of in-house counsel who are qualified and possess a law degree duly recognised by the Bar Council of India. The key objective of GCAI is to create a global platform that is managed and spearheaded by General Counsels in order to create a distinct professional identity for the in–house legal function by way of statutory recognition.
Recognition
Seek recognition of the GC and in-house legal profession as a distinct and specialised profession at par with other legal practitioners in India.
Accreditation
Develop a system of accreditation linked to number of years of experience, enabling GCs to make an appearance before any legal forum in India.
Advocacy
Act as an influential body representing the interests of all GCs in India and make representations to the Central Government and State Governments on various proposed laws on behalf of various industry groups, including presentation of papers and views on important policy formulations on various legislations.
Training and Mentorship
Organise mentor-mentee programmes for younger members of the association on how to manage various aspects of their role including enhancing governance standards, compliances, and enforcement. Promote professional development through training sessions, networking opportunities and internships.
Ethical Standards
Advance the highest ethical standards governing the practice of law in an organisation setting.
Diversity and Inclusion
Promote diversity and inclusion within the in-house legal community so that not only more women, but in fact young lawyers from all socio-economic backgrounds, cultures and regions feel encouraged to pursue law as a career. Our mentor-mentee programmes will be facilitated by senior legal counsel and will be tailored as per the requirements and challenges of an in-house role.
Latest at GCAI
Events
Hon'ble Justice Ranjan Gogoi speaks at the launch of GCAI
GCAI’s First Year Celebration
Some of India Inc.’s senior General Counsels came together to launch the General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) at an event organised at Gurugram on March 5, 2021. The inauguration was graced by Mr. Mahaveer Singhvi, IFS, Joint-Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.
GCAI’s Bangalore Event
It’s an absolute pleasure to announce the conclusion of a very successful event ‘The General Counsel : Strategiser, Enabler and Protector’ by GCAI, held on Friday September 15, 2023 at The Library, The Bangalore International Centre, Bengaluru. The theme of the event was seeking recognition for General Counsels and Inhouse Counsels as an area of legal practice, at par with international norms, including legal privilege. This is the third series on the same topic after Mumbai and Delhi.
GCAI’s Delhi Event
General Counsels’ Association of India, conducted an event on Friday, November 04, 2022, at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
The theme of the roundtable was:
– Role of General Counsel in the growth of the Indian economy.
– Recognition and regulation of in-house, as an area of legal practice – India and International viewpoint.