What is the difference between advocate and lawyer in India?

Asked by: Tevin Koch III  |  Last update: September 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (28 votes)

When a lawyer joins the State Bar Council and passes the All India Bar Council exam, he/she is called an advocate. An advocate represents a client in a court of law, whereas a lawyer provides legal advice to a client. Every advocate is a lawyer, but every lawyer is not an advocate.

Is an advocate the same as a lawyer?

advocate. While lawyers are professionals with a law degree, an advocate is a special type of lawyer responsible for standing in court and representing a client.

Can an advocate fight his own case in India?

A lawyer, being party to the proceeding can appear and defend the proceeding himself in his own capacity as party in person. He needs not to file his OWN VAKALATNAMA, but he can, if necessary, file Vakalatnama on his behalf.

What are Indian lawyers called?

Generally, a lawyer practicing before judicial tribunals and courts in India is called an “Advocate”.

Can an advocate practice in any court in India?

Under section 30 of the Act, all the advocates are entitled to practice in any court or tribunal in India.

What is the difference Between Lawyer, Advocate, Barrister, Attorney and more!

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Is an advocate a lawyer in India?

A lawyer must fulfil specific prerequisites in order to become an advocate. The Bar Council of India exam, often known as the BCI examination, must be taken by applicants who have earned a legal degree but are not advocates.

Can an advocate speak in court?

Also, you can have an advocate sit next to you at the table in the courtroom and confer (talk) with you during the hearing, unless the judge says otherwise.

How many types of advocates are there in India?

(1) There shall be two classes of advocates, namely, senior advocates and other advocates.

Can US lawyers practice in India?

Although permitted to practice in India, foreign lawyers must fulfill the eligibility criteria laid down by the Bar Council of India. To be eligible to practice law in India, foreign lawyers with a degree: Must be eligible to practice in their country. Must register with the Bar Council of India.

Can an Indian lawyer fight a case in USA?

Yes, Indian lawyers can practice in the USA, but they must meet specific requirements. This involves passing a state bar exam, with states like New York and California being more flexible for foreign-trained lawyers. Indian lawyers need to complete an LLM from an ABA-accredited law school to qualify.

What is the role of the advocate?

The role of an advocate is to offer independent support to those who feel they are not being heard and to ensure they are taken seriously and that their rights are respected. It is also to assist people to access and understand appropriate information and services.

Can I file a case without a lawyer in India?

Yes, you can file a civil suit without a lawyer in India, as individuals have the right to represent themselves in court. However, to understand how to file a civil suit in India, it is often advisable to seek legal assistance to ensure proper handling of the case and to increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome.

Can you be an advocate without being a lawyer?

If you are interested in becoming a legal advocate, you might consider volunteering first in a niche that you are particularly interested in. While most legal advocacy jobs demand at least some legal experience or education along with a willingness to learn, some require a law degree.

What is the lawyer's salary in India?

The Average Salary of a Lawyer in India

Salaries can range from low to high, depending on the practitioner's experience, skills, degree, and specialization. In India, the average yearly salary for a lawyer is around Rs. 5.70 Lakh to Rs. 7.86 Lakh.

What makes someone an advocate?

What is an advocate and what do they do? According to the dictionary, advocate means “to speak in favor of, one who supports a cause, or one who speaks in another's behalf” (Webster's New College Dictionary, 1999).

What is the fee of advocate in India?

A fee varying from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000 for appearing in a matter set down for admission has become common place; and senior advocates coming from the top echelons of the Bar are known to be appearing in 5 to 10 admission matters per day on an average.

Who is more rich doctor or lawyer in India?

According to a survey in India, the earnings of a lawyer and a doctor depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of practice, the location experience etc but a doctor in India earns more than a lawyer, generally.

Who is the powerful advocate in India?

Nariman. Fali Sam Nariman is one of India's most respected senior advocates and constitutional experts. With a legal career spanning over six decades, Nariman is celebrated for his work in constitutional law and his contributions to India's legal system.

Can an advocate appear in any court in India?

The advocates have been conferred rights to practice not only in all courts including the Supreme Court but also before any tribunal or person legally authorized to take evidence and also before any other authority or person before whom such advocate is by or under any law for the time being in force entitled to ...

What can an advocate do in court?

They ensure that their clients' voices are heard and that their rights are upheld. Court Advocates provide a range of services, including legal advice, emotional support, and practical assistance, such as helping with paperwork or explaining court protocols.

Can a lawyer yell in court?

The Judicial Conduct Board has taken a very strong position on judicial demeanor. The days of raising one's voice or yelling or using words like shut up, etc., are over.

What if a judge ignores the law?

If you feel the judge committed misconduct, what you can do would be to report him to your state's judiciary committee. If what he did is serious enough, he could be unseated, even potentially disbarred.