How to Become a Supreme Court Lawyer

Many law graduates aspire to become a Supreme Court Lawyer. To become a Supreme Court lawyer, you have to qualify for an Advocate on Record (AOR)- the lawyer who has the exclusive right to file cases and represent a client in the Supreme Court. Get details in this article.

How to Become a Supreme Court Lawyer

To become a Supreme Court Lawyer, one has to go through the given ways, such as

• Complete basic education
• Enroll in law college
• Register with the Bar Council of India
• Becoming a junior assistant to a Supreme Court lawyer.
• Passing the AIBE exam
• Work in subordinate courts and gain experience
• Pass the AOR exam
• Get an Office
• Start practicing as a Supreme Court Lawyer.

In this article, “How to Become a Supreme Court Lawyer,” you’ll get a clear path from the basic education requirements to a career as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of India.

Pass Class 12th with Minimum Marks Required

Firstly, you have to be a 10+2 passed from a recognized board of education, with a minimum of marks required to get into a law college or sit for top law exams of India, such as CLAT, AILET, SLAT, etc. 

Generally, most law colleges take admissions if you passed 12th with 45 to 50%. 

Also Read: How to Become a Lawyer after 12th

Get Enrollment in Law College

You have the option to join a 3-year or a 5-year law course. If you are a 12th pass, you can join a law programme such as a 5-year integrated BA LLB/ B.Com LLB/ BBA LLB course. On the other hand, if you are already a bachelor’s graduate in any stream, you can join a 3-year LLB course from a law college. Most of the top colleges take admissions based on the CLAT or other exam scores.

Also Read: 3-Year vs 5-Year LLB Course in India

Registration with the Bar Council of India (BCI)

After completing your law degree, you have to register with the Bar Council of India. As per the Indian Advocate Act, 1961, the candidate has to register with the BCI, the regulatory body that oversees the practice of law in India. Once registration is done, you will be eligible to practice law in India as a licensed advocate.

Become a Junior Assistant to a Supreme Court Lawyer

By becoming a junior Assistant to a Supreme Court Lawyer, you’ll gain valuable experience, and this will help you learn the procedures of the Supreme Court and get guidance from senior advocates. 

Pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)

To practice law in India, you must qualify in the AIBE exam, conducted by the Bar Council of India. By passing the All India Bar Examination, you’ll receive a Certificate of Practice (CoP). A Certificate of Practice is a mandatory legal document that allows advocates to represent clients and practice law in India.

Work in Subordinate Courts and Gain Experience

To work as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of India, you must have to gain some experience by working in subordinate courts such as the District Court or the High Court. By working in subordinate courts, you’ll learn the courtroom dynamics, get ground-level knowledge that helps you with the challenges you encounter in the Supreme Court.

It is important to note, you have to gain at least 5 years of experience working as a district or high court lawyer to be eligible to serve as a trainee under a Supreme Court advocate. After a year of training, you will be able to work as an independent Supreme Court Lawyer in India.

Pass the Advocate on Record (AOR) exam

After gaining years of experience practicing as a lawyer in the district or high courts and serving as a trainee under an experienced Supreme Court advocate, you have to appear for the AOR exam. If you clear the Advocate-on-record exam, you will be qualified to become a Supreme Court lawyer and will be registered as an Advocate on Record Member.

Basically, it will take 6 years from getting a law degree to work as a Supreme Court Lawyer in India.

Apply for Office Space

After clearing the AOR exam, you have to apply for an office space in the Supreme Court premises and appoint a register office clerk. The office will be a professional space where you’ll handle your cases. Having an office space within 10 miles of the Supreme Court is a mandatory requirement to become a Supreme Court Lawyer in India.

Start Practicing as a Supreme Court Lawyer

If you complete all the requirements mentioned above, you can start practicing as a Supreme Court Lawyer in India. You can represent clients, argue cases, and take responsibilities as per your specialization in law.

Also Read: How to Become a Judge in India