As we begin to explore the impact of globalization on corporate legal practice in India, and on the Indian legal profession more generally, it is critical to obtain a deeper understanding of the pre-existing structure of Indian corporate law practice. Such an understanding not only provides the context against which we can more fully explore the changes that have occurred but also aids in constructing a relatively common factual base, which is shared by other chapters in this book. In light of that, this chapter maps the current state
of corporate legal practice in India beginning with an historical exploration of business, law, the state, and the legal profession in India. This is because corporate legal practice is often closely associated with developments in these areas, which drive the demand for corporate legal work and structure how it is provided. Indeed, as we shall see, the fortunes of the corporate legal sector in India have ebbed and flowed over time as developments occurred in these areas. Finally, our analysis enables us to provide a detailed typology of
corporate legal practice in India as well as identifying the key areas of general legal practice. This further aids in constructing a common reference point for other chapters in this book.