About GCAI

The General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) is a body formed, managed and spearheaded by General Counsels with a vision to create a distinct professional identity for General Counsels and institutionalise the in–house legal function as a separate specialised stream of legal practice.

The role of General Counsels is evolving and becoming increasingly significant in the context of business and economy. However, there is still an absence of recognition and regulation of the General Counsel profession in India, vis-à-vis the practice side of the legal profession. To address this gap and to seek recognition and regulation for General Counsels, the idea of GCAI was mooted a few years ago.

GCAI aims to be the premier association representing the interests of in-house legal counsel who are qualified lawyers with a law degree recognised by the Bar Council of India. It will work to ensure the statutory recognition of the in-house legal profession, enhance awareness in the industry about the role and contributions of GCs, advance the highest ethical standards in their functioning and thereby strengthen their participation in the justice delivery system. This platform will also create opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, training and mentorship, with a keen focus on supporting young in-house lawyers and law students.