Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate
To become a lawyer or advocate, it is important first to understand their role in the judicial system. While every advocate is a lawyer, it is not the case that every lawyer is an advocate. Not every lawyer is an advocate. If you hold a degree, you will be defined as a lawyer, but to be an advocate, you need to pass the All India Bar Examination. Along with this, you should be enrolled with the Bar Council of India. To help you get a clearer idea, read below to know about the difference between advocate and lawyer.
- Who is a lawyer?
- Types of Law Degrees in India
- Who is an Advocate?
- Difference between Lawyer & Advocate
- How can a lawyer become an advocate?
Who is a lawyer?
If you have completed a law degree, then you are already a lawyer. You are also qualified to give legal advice. But to formally represent a client, you need to have a Certificate of Practice. But that doesn’t mean that you have to sit idle. You can still work in corporate, legal research, compliance, etc. You must be thinking on how to become a lawyer? To begin your journey as a lawyer, you must first get a law degree to understand the legal framework.
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Types of Law Degrees in India
To help you understand types of law degrees and which one you can pursue, we have mentioned the degree along with the duration below
| Law Degree |
Level |
|---|---|
| LLB (Bachelor of Laws) |
Undergraduate Duration: 3 Years |
| Undergraduate Duration: 5 Years |
|
| Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 Years |
|
| PhD in Law/ Doctorate in Law |
Doctoral Duration: 3-5 Years |
| Diploma in Law |
Diploma Duration: Mostly 1 year |
| Certificate Courses in Law |
Certificate Duration: One week to 6 months |
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Who is an Advocate?
To become an Advocate, you need to clear the AIBE. Once you clear, the BCI will issue the Certificate of Practice. This gives you the license to practice in court anywhere in the country. You will also get the right to appear, act and plead before courts and tribunals.
Difference between Lawyer & Advocate
| Feature |
Lawyer |
Advocate |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification |
Holds a law degree (LLB) |
Should have cleared AIBE Enrolled with the Bar Council of India |
| Court Representation |
Cannot present the client in the court |
Can represent the client after getting CoP |
| Responsibilities |
Can draft legal documents, handle cases outside court, can provide legal advice |
Specialises in representing clients in court proceedings |
| Regulating Body |
It is not regulated by the Bar Council of India |
Is fully regulated by BCI |
| Certification required |
No formal certification required |
Must have cleared AIBE |
| Fees/Charges |
Law fees as they don’t have much experience |
Higher, depending on the year of practice they have |
| Allowed to do specialisation |
Yes |
Yes |
Also Read Difference Between AIBE and Judiciary Exams for Law Aspirants
How can a lawyer become an advocate?
If becoming a lawyer is tough, it is another challenge to become an advocate. You can become a lawyer by completing your law degree. You won’t be allowed to represent your clients in the court. But to become an advocate you need to fulfill certain criteria. To add your name in the Bar Council list you need to pass AIBE Exam. Once the Council will issue you the certificate you will be eligible to represent your client in court.
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