Bar Council’s Big Move: Stipends for Junior Lawyers?
The Story
Becoming a lawyer in India isn’t easy. First, you slog through five years of law school. Then comes the real challenge—surviving the early years.
Most junior lawyers work without pay for months, sometimes even years, while training under senior advocates. No fixed salaries, no minimum wage, just long hours in courtrooms with the hope of making it big someday.
Now, the Bar Council of India (BCI) wants to change that.
What’s the Plan?
The BCI through its circular dated 15.10.24 has recommended a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 for junior lawyers in urban areas and ₹15,000 for those in rural areas. The idea? Provide financial support to fresh law graduates so they don’t have to struggle while learning the ropes.
But who’s going to pay for this? That’s where things get tricky.
The Funding Dilemma
Unlike doctors, who get paid during internships, or engineers, who enter well-paying jobs, lawyers don’t have a structured entry-level salary. Most junior lawyers work under senior advocates or law firms, and whether they get paid depends entirely on the employer.
The BCI - Bar Council of India has suggested that stipends could be funded through state bar councils or a special welfare fund. But the details are still unclear. Should senior lawyers contribute? Should the government step in?
Is This Feasible?
Critics say the plan is ambitious but lacks a concrete implementation roadmap. Some argue that forcing stipends might discourage senior lawyers from hiring juniors, making things worse. Others believe a structured stipend program is long overdue and will make the profession more inclusive, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds.
What Happens Next?
For now, the BCI’s recommendation is just that—a recommendation. The final call will depend on whether the government and legal community can figure out a sustainable funding model.
If implemented, this could be a game-changer for young lawyers. If not, the struggle continues.
But one thing is clear—the conversation about financial struggles of young lawyers is gaining momentum. From stipends to AIBE fees, pressure is mounting on the BCI to not just talk, but act.
Let’s see how this legal battle unfolds!
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📌 Also, read recent updates on the challenge related to AIBE fees here : https://legalwiki.co/article/sc-directs-petitioner-challenging-aibe-fees-to-first-approach-bar-council-of-india/
