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Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
The main difference between lawyer and advocate lies in their roles and responsibilities within the legal system. While all advocates are lawyers, not all lawyers are advocates. Lawyers provide legal advice and prepare documents, while advocates specialize in courtroom representation. In some countries, advocates receive additional training beyond what’s required for lawyers, focusing on litigation skills.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each role and explore the key difference between lawyer and advocate in India.
A lawyer is someone who has finished a law degree, known as an LLB. However, just having a law degree does not mean a lawyer can represent clients in court. To do that, a lawyer must pass the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE) after completing their law degree.
Once a lawyer passes the AIBE, they can become an advocate. Advocates are lawyers who are allowed to represent clients in court. Lawyers are trained to understand the laws of the country and can give advice on legal rights and responsibilities. They also help in drafting legal documents for people and businesses.
Some lawyers work in companies instead of courts. When they work in the corporate sector, they have to give up their bar council license and cannot represent clients in court. However, if they return to practicing law in court later, they can reactivate their bar council license and become advocates again.
An advocate is a person who is officially registered with a Bar Council of the State. Advocates can speak for their clients in court, which is what sets them apart from other lawyers. A lawyer becomes an advocate by joining a Bar Council or association.
To become an advocate, a person needs a degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university or college and a license from the Bar Council in India. After passing the Bar Council of India exam, an advocate gets this license and can start working in courts.
Advocates are experts in law who are trained to represent clients in court. They can be individuals or law firms that represent clients in legal matters.
Here are some differences to clarify the nuances of lawyer vs advocate:
| Aspect | Lawyer | Advocate |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Educational Qualification | LLB Degree (3 years) | LLB Degree (3 years) + Bar Exam (AIBE) |
| 2. Job | Gives legal advice, Writes legal documents, Represents clients in legal cases. | Argues a case on behalf of a client in court or before a government agency. |
| 3. Court Appearance | May not always appear in court. | Regularly appears in court to argue cases. |
| 4. Scope of Work | Can work in various legal fields (e.g., corporate, family, environmental law) | Primarily focused on litigation and court appearances |
| 5. Courtroom Rights | May or may not have the right to speak in court, depending on jurisdiction | Has the right to speak and represent clients in court |
| 6. Client Interaction | Works closely with clients to give legal advice and prepare documents. | Represents and speaks on behalf of clients in court. |
| 7. Legal Representation | Can represent clients in lower courts and administrative matters. | Represents clients in higher courts (often requires special enrollment). |
| 8. Professional Title | General term for anyone with a law degree. | Specific term for those who practice in court. |
| 9. Training | Legal education and training in various aspects of law. | Specialized training in courtroom procedures and advocacy. |
| 10. Licensing | Requires a law degree and a license to practice law. | Requires a law degree, passing the bar exam, and enrollment as an advocate. |
| 11. Salary Potential | Generally Higher (₹1.56 lakh – ₹18 lakh annually) | Generally Lower (₹1.1 lakh – ₹9 lakh+ annually) |
Both lawyers and advocates play crucial roles in our legal system. They work together to ensure justice is served and people’s rights are protected. Here’s why both advocate vs lawyer are important:
If you’re interested in a career in law, here’s a general path to becoming a lawyer or advocate in India involves four main steps:
Now you know the difference between lawyer and advocate, remember, the exact requirements may vary depending on where you live, so it’s essential to research the specific steps for your location.
Check out our article on How to Become a Lawyer?
Most lawyers and advocates choose to specialize in a specific area of law during law school or after graduation. Legal professionals can offer advice and representation across various specializations, including:
Throughout history, many lawyers and advocates have made significant contributions to society. Here are a few examples:
These individuals showcase lawyer and advocate difference in the world.
The difference between lawyer and advocate may seem subtle, but it’s important to understand their unique roles in the legal system. Both professions are crucial for maintaining justice and protecting people’s rights. Whether you’re considering a career in law or simply curious about how our legal system works, knowing the distinction between these two roles is valuable knowledge.
As you continue your studies, keep an eye out for lawyers and advocates in the news or in your community. You might be surprised at how often their work impacts our daily lives!
Remember, the world of law is vast and ever-changing. Whether you choose to become a lawyer, an advocate, or pursue another career entirely, the skills of critical thinking, research, and communication that these professionals use are valuable in many areas of life.
If you’re considering a career in law or exploring related fields, here are some valuable resources to help guide your journey:
After understanding the advocate and lawyer difference, these resources help you to cover a range of topics from specific career paths in law to broader information about humanities and arts streams. They can help you make informed decisions about your education and career goals.
For more career advice and guidance, visit: Chegg India Career Advice.
A lawyer may or may not be an advocate, but all advocates are lawyers. Advocates hold a license to practice in court, while lawyers can only provide legal advice and draft documents without representing clients in court.
Advocates represent clients in court, arguing cases, presenting evidence, and defending their legal rights. They play a crucial role in litigation and may specialize in areas like criminal, corporate, or family law.
In India, a person with a 3-year LLB degree is considered a lawyer. However, they cannot represent clients in court until they register with the State Bar Council and pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to become an advocate.
To become an advocate in India, you must pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) after completing your law degree. You can pursue either a 3-year LLB or a 5-year integrated BBA LLB/BA LLB course before registering with the State Bar Council and qualifying to practice in court.
In India, law students can’t be called lawyers. They lack the key qualifications like. LLB Degree and Bar Exam. Law students focus on studies and can’t represent clients in court. “Law student” is the most accurate term during their studies.
Yes, in many legal systems, lawyers can become advocates by meeting additional requirements. They may need to undergo further training, gain courtroom experience, or pass certification exams. For example, in India, law graduates must register with a State Bar Council and pass the AIBE to practice as advocates and represent clients in court.
Lawyers with an LLB degree can become advocates by registering with the Bar Council of their respective state and passing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). This certification allows them to represent clients in court and practice law as advocates.
An advocate is bigger than a lawyer. A lawyer is someone who has gone to law school and is working in the legal field. Whereas, an advocate is a seasoned professional who represents their client in the court.
No, the distinction between a lawyer and an advocate varies by country. In some regions, the terms are used interchangeably, while in others, an advocate specifically refers to a lawyer qualified to represent clients in court.
Yes, advocates can provide legal advice just like lawyers. However, they also have the additional authority to represent clients in court, argue cases, and defend legal rights, which sets them apart from lawyers who do not practice in court.
Yes, lawyer and advocate salaries differ in India. Lawyers with an LLB degree can earn between ₹1.56 lakh to ₹18 lakh per year, depending on experience and specialization. Advocates, with additional qualifications and courtroom practice, often earn ₹1.1 lakh to ₹9 lakh+ annually, with potential for higher earnings in senior roles.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
