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Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate in India - Advocate vs Lawyer
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Oct 06, 2023 12:29 PM IST | #L.L.B
“Lawyer” and “Advocate” are often used interchangeably in popular culture. However, there are some fundamental differences between a lawyer and an advocate. A lawyer is basically a person who has studied Law and is involved in the legal profession. But, an advocate is a slightly more specific term, used in the context of those lawyers who are authorized to represent a client in a court of law. Thus, it is right to say that all advocates are lawyers, but all lawyers may not be advocates. However, is that the only difference between an advocate and a lawyer? Read the article to know more about the lawyer vs advocate comparison.
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This Story also Contains
- Who is a Lawyer?
- Who is an advocate?
- What is difference between lawyer and advocate
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Lawyer Vs Advocate: Salary Difference
- How to Become a Lawyer in India?
- How to become an advocate in India?
Who is a Lawyer?
A law graduate, involved in the legal profession such as those related to giving legal advice, consultation, assisting or any other law profession is called a lawyer. The term “Lawyer” is a very broad term and is used in the context of a legal professional including a barrister or an attorney.
Also Read | Types of law degrees
Who is an advocate?
In legal terms, an advocate is a lawyer who enters into a roll under the provisions of the Advocates Acts 1961. In simple terms, an advocate is a lawyer who is registered with any State Bar Council or Bar Council of India. The conduct of an advocate is governed by the rules of the Bar Council of India (BCI), the apex regulatory body for legal professionals.
What is difference between lawyer and advocate
There are several points to be looked at in the advocate vs lawyer comparison. Some of the points are given in the table below.
Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate
Lawyer | Advocate |
A lawyer is any law graduate involved in a legal profession | Advocate represents their clients in the Court of Law |
Lawyer can be used in the context of a legal advisor, attorney, solicitor, barrister or even a law professor | Advocates have specified role and duties. It is a more specific term |
Lawyers may not be very experienced in the practising law | Advocates are experienced professionals and have cleared a standard Bar examination |
Lawyers cannot represent clients in Court of Law, but they can give legal advice, assist their clients in legal matters, or work in the corporate sector as a law professional | Advocates have Certificate of Practice (CoP) issued by the apex regulator of the legal profession and legal education in India. The CoP enables advocates to practice law |
Lawyers are not covered under Advocates Act | The conduct of advocates is governed by Advocates Act 1961 |
Roles and Responsibilities
Whether a person is a lawyer or an advocate, both are legal professionals and have several common roles and responsibilities which their job entails. Given below are a few things which advocates and lawyers do:
- Provide legal counsel and representation to people, businesses, and governmental organisations.
- Hold meetings and interact with their clients, coworkers, judges, and other case participants.
- Analyse and research on legal issues.
- For people and corporations, interpret laws, decisions, and regulations.
- Prepare and file legal papers such lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds
Lawyer Vs Advocate: Salary Difference
It must be noted that all advocates are lawyers but all lawyers are not advocates. So,being an advocate one gets an additional qualification to represent clients in addition to all the roles and responsibilities a lawyer can perform. So, becoming an advocate greatly increases the scope of earnings for a lawyer. However, the earnings will also depend on the the reputation of the advocate, type of clients being represented, and the type of cases at hand. On the other hand, a lawyer can find jobs in legal firms, and in the legal department of different organisations.
As per Ambition box data, the average salary of a lawyer in India ranges between Rs. 1-11 lakh p.a. with an average salary of Rs.4.8 lakh p.a. On the other hand the salary of an advocate in India ranges between Rs. 1.1 -9 lakh p.a. with an average salary of 4.9 lakh p.a.
How to Become a Lawyer in India?
To become a lawyer in India aspirants in India can complete a formal law degree and become lawyers. As per the “Rules of Legal Education” given by the Bar Council of India, there are two types of law courses leading to a bachelor's Degree in Law. These are;
LLB course - This course is popularly known as a 3-year LLB degree programme. Law aspirants can undertake this course only after completing graduation from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India.
Also Read | Types of Lawyers in India
Double-degree integrated LLB course
A double-degree integrated course is a combination of Bachelor’ degree in Law and any other Bachelors’ discipline. The degree programme will be of at least five years and students can pursue it right after completing Class 12. Some of the popular 5-year integrated LLB programmes are BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB and BSc LLB.
After completion of the programme, students are eligible to register themselves with state bar councils. Such law graduates are called lawyers.
Related: Online Law Courses & Certifications
How to become an advocate in India?
A law graduate becomes an advocate only when he/she is registered with the Bar Council of India (BCI). The council conducts an All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to set a standard for advocates. Law graduates who wish to become advocates are required to clear the AIBE exam and obtain a Certificate of Practice from the BCI. Generally, the AIBE exam is conducted twice a year and applications for it are accepted online from the official website of the council.
Those who clear the AIBE exam and have received the CoP from the council are eligible to represent their clients in a Court of Law. These lawyers are called Advocates.
Advocates uphold the interests of their clients and play a crucial role in the administration of justice. They are also bound by the rules of the Bar Council of India and accordingly, they are expected to adhere to the highest standards of probity and honour.
Also, check - Difference Between Judge and Magistrate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is a Lawyer?
Anyone who has completed their legal education and possess the Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) degree can be called as a lawyer
2. Who is called an advocate?
Any lawyer whose name has been entered in the roll prepared and maintained by the State Bar Council under section 17 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
3. Who is more powerful - Lawyer or Advocate ?
A lawyer does not have the authority to practise law or represent clients, only an advocate can do so.
4. Can a lawyer become an advocate?
Yes. A lawyer can become an advocate if they clear the All India Bar Examination conducted by the Bar Council of India and their name is entered in roll maintained by the State Bar Council under section 17 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
5. Is a LLB called an advocate?
While possessing an LLB degree is a prerequisite for becoming an advocate, it is not enough. To become an advocate the person’s name must be entered in the roll maintained by the State Bar Council and the person must also clear the All India Bar Examination conducted by the Bar Council of India.
6. Is there any difference between advocate and lawyer?
An advocate can represent clients in court, which a lawyer cannot.
7. Who is better lawyer or advocate?
Becoming an advocate is an additional qualification which a lawyer gets after clearing the AIBE exam. So, an advocate is always better than being only a lawyer.
8. Is LLB graduate a lawyer?
Yes. Anyone who has completed their legal education and obtained the Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) degree is a lawyer.
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List of L.L.B colleges
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Questions related to L.L.B
Have a question related to L.L.B ?
If you're looking for 5-year LLB colleges besides CLAT, AILET, Jindal, and Symbiosis, consider options like Government Law College, Amity Law School, Noida, ILS (Indian Law Society), Pune, ,VIT Chennai - Vellore Institute of Technology ,srm,and the School of Law and Legal Studies at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.
Most of the top law colleges are accepting clat score only so you need to target PRIVATE LAW UNIVERSITIES and to look for affordable side you can go for state law colleges which is not good as national law university but they give you degree to practice as a lawyer in india.
sadafreen356 16 December,2024
Hello,
Here are the steps to apply for an LLB program in India :
-
Check Eligibility : Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria (most universities accept graduates from any stream with a minimum percentage, typically 45-50%).
-
Choose Program : Decide whether to pursue a 3-year LLB (for graduates) or a 5-year integrated LLB (for undergraduates).
-
Entrance Exams : Prepare and appear for entrance exams like CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), LSAT-India, or university-specific tests (e.g., DU LLB Entrance).
-
Select University : Research colleges offering LLB programs. Government College Ludhiana may be affiliated with a university offering LLB.
-
Application Process :
- Visit the university's official website.
- Fill out the application form and upload required documents (e.g., graduation mark sheets, ID proof).
-
Admission : Based on entrance exam results or merit, attend counseling, pay the fee, and confirm admission.
-
Attend Classes : Start the program and complete practical training modules.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 14 December,2024
If you want to pursue an LLB after completing your postgraduate degree in 2002-2003, you can apply to various law colleges in India that offer 3-year LLB programs. Here's how you can proceed:
1. Eligibility Requirements
Most universities require a bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum percentage (usually 45% to 50% for general category and 40% to 45% for reserved categories).
There is no upper age limit for LLB admission, as per the Bar Council of India (BCI) rules.
As a postgraduate, you are eligible if your postgraduate degree was from a recognized university.
2. Entrance Exams
To get admission, you may need to clear an entrance exam. Common entrance exams for 3-year LLB programs include:
PU LLB Entrance Test: Conducted by Punjab University, Chandigarh, which is near Ludhiana.
DU LLB Entrance Exam: For admission to Delhi University’s Faculty of Law.
MH CET Law: For law colleges in Maharashtra, including Government Law College.
SLAT or LSAT India: Some private universities accept these scores.
3. Application Process
Research universities offering the 3-year LLB program and check their admission notifications.
Register for the entrance exam, if applicable, through the official exam portal.
Submit the application form with required documents, such as:
Graduation and postgraduation degree certificates.
Identity proof and recent photographs.
Caste certificate (if applicable).
4. Colleges Near Ludhiana
Punjab University, Chandigarh (affiliated colleges also offer LLB).
Lovely Professional University (LPU).
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar.
Chandigarh University, Mohali.
5. Alternative Option
If you want to avoid entrance exams, some private universities offer direct admission based on merit.
Next Steps:
Check the eligibility criteria and entrance exam requirements for universities you're interested in.
Prepare for the entrance exam if needed.
Submit the application before deadlines.
For more detailed guidance, you can visit the websites of
the respective universities or contact their admission offices.
Syed Ali 14 December,2024
To apply for an LLB after completing your post-graduation in 2002-2003, research law colleges that accept post-graduates and check their eligibility criteria, prepare and register for entrance exams like CLAT or AILET, appear for the exam and obtain a valid score, participate in the counseling and seat allotment process, and complete the admission formalities. Some colleges may also offer direct admission based on your graduation marks without requiring an entrance exam, so check their specific requirements.
Sakshi Badoni 16 December,2024
for LLB theres no upper age limit and u completed u completed ur post graduation which mets the criteria and for LLB typically 45 to 50% marks is required in ur post graduation.....
Sakshi Badoni 14 December,2024
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