Government told Parliament that several states now offer stipends to junior advocates, easing early career financial stress. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand as pioneers promoting structured support systems for young lawyers.
NEW DELHI: The government informed Parliament that Several Indian states have launched stipend and financial assistance schemes for junior advocates to tackle income challenges early in their careers.
According to the Bar Council of India (BCI), states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand are already providing support to junior lawyers through various government initiatives, welfare measures by State Bar Councils, and organized programs by Bar Associations.
In response to inquiries from Maharashtra, the BCI noted that any statewide stipend program there would necessitate a formal framework for implementation, which would involve the State Bar Council and/or support from the state government. This framework would require budget allocation, eligibility criteria, verification processes, and audits, according to the Council.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, shared this information, which is viewed as a significant step toward enhancing financial stability for young legal professionals and promoting the adoption of structured stipend systems across various states.
Addressing the financial hardships faced by early-career advocates, the BCI issued Circular No. BCI:D:5383/2024 on October 15, 2024, recommending a minimum monthly stipend of
- Rs 20,000 for junior advocates in urban areas
- and Rs 15,000 for those in rural areas.
This recommendation applies to junior lawyers assisting advocates, senior advocates, or law firms.
Previously, on October 15, 2024, the Bar Council of India (BCI) introduced new guidelines proposing a minimum stipend for junior advocates assisting senior advocates, law firms, and independent practitioners. This initiative was spurred by a directive from the Delhi High Court on July 29 in response to concerns raised by Advocate Simran Kumari, who highlighted the financial challenges faced by junior lawyers.
Additionally, the Madras High Court had recommended a minimum monthly stipend between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 for junior advocates statewide. Accordingly, the BCI has recommended that junior lawyers in urban locations receive a minimum stipend of Rs 20,000 per month, while those in rural areas are suggested to receive Rs 15,000 per month.
These payments should be provided for a minimum period of three years from the date of engagement of the junior advocate. It is, however, important to note that “the minimum stipend is not mandatory.”
In a circular to all state bar councils and associations, the BCI recognized that many junior advocates encounter considerable financial hurdles at the start of their legal careers.
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It was also acknowledged that
“senior advocates and firms in smaller towns or less lucrative fields may not have the financial resources to provide substantial stipends.”
Consequently, while the guidelines are encouraged across the profession, they are not strictly enforced as mandatory.
Furthermore, the circular mentioned that a committee would be formed by the BCI to regularly review the implementation of these guidelines. This committee will also be responsible for “adjusting the stipend amounts based on feedback and prevailing economic conditions,” ensuring that the guidelines remain relevant to the financial realities experienced by both senior and junior advocates.
These actions by the BCI aim to alleviate the financial burdens on junior advocates while ensuring they receive adequate mentorship and professional development opportunities, thus fostering a more sustainable and supportive legal profession.
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