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.

Who is a Lawyer?

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.

Who is an Advocate?

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.

What is the Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate?

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)

Key Responsibility of Lawyers and Advocates

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:

1. Why Lawyers are Essential

• They provide legal advice to help people make informed decisions
• They draft and review important legal documents
• They help negotiate agreements and settlements
• They ensure businesses and individuals comply with laws and regulations

2. Why Advocates are Vital

• They represent clients in court, arguing their case before judges
• They have specialized skills in courtroom procedures and litigation
• They can cross-examine witnesses and present evidence effectively
• They help ensure fair trials and protect the rights of the accused

Also Read:-

• All You Need to Know about LLM Course
• How To Become a CBI Officer?

How to Become a Lawyer or Advocate?

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:

1. Education:

• Clear your 12th standard: You’ll need a passing score, often with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks, to be eligible for most law colleges.
• Obtain a law degree: There are two main options:
  • Integrated Law Course (5 years): This combines an undergraduate degree (B.A., B.Com., B.Sc.) with a law degree (LL.B.)
  • Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) (3 years): This postgraduate program requires a separate bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

2. Law Entrance Exams:

• Crack an entrance exam for admission into a recognized law school. Common exams include the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), etc. For a comprehensive list of law entrance exams, visit 10 Law Entrance Exams for Top Colleges.

3. Bar Council Registration and All India Bar Exam (AIBE):

• After completing your law degree, register with the Bar Council of India (BCI).
• Pass the AIBE, a mandatory national-level exam for all law graduates who want to practice in India.

4. Practical Training (Optional):

• While not mandatory, gaining practical experience through internships under practicing lawyers can be highly beneficial.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Choosing a law school: Research and select a reputable law school with good faculty and placement opportunities.
• Areas of Law: Explore different specializations within law (criminal, civil, corporate, etc.) to find your area of interest.
• Develop necessary skills: Strong analytical thinking, research, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills are crucial for lawyers.

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?

Scope of Practice

Lawyers

1. Provide legal advice to individuals and organizations, including companies, colleges, and universities.
2. Draft essential legal documents required for legal processes.
3. Cannot practice in court unless they meet specific eligibility criteria.

Advocates

1. Specialize in representing and defending clients in court.
2. Have the legal authority to advocate on behalf of their clients in judicial proceedings.

Transition from Lawyer to Advocate

1. Lawyers can practice in court if they enroll with a state bar council.
2. Must register and pass the All-India Bar Exam (AIBE) to gain eligibility for courtroom representation.

Specialisations

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:

• Real Estate Law
• Family Law
• Criminal Law
• Constitutional Law
• Corporate Law
• Immigration Law
• Labour Law
• Environmental Law
• Personal Injury Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Taxation Law

Fees and Salary

• Advocate Fees: An advocate’s fee varies based on experience, reputation, and expertise. Since advocates represent clients in court and argue cases, their fees are generally higher than those of lawyers.
• Lawyer vs. Advocate Salary: The starting salary for both lawyers and advocates is around ₹1 lakh per annum. With experience, the average salary can range between ₹9–11 lakh per annum.

Famous Lawyers and Advocates in History

Throughout history, many lawyers and advocates have made significant contributions to society. Here are a few examples:

1. Abraham Lincoln: Before becoming President of the United States, Lincoln was a successful lawyer.
2. Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi was trained as a lawyer in England and used his legal knowledge in his fight for India’s independence.
3. Thurgood Marshall: A prominent civil rights lawyer who became the first African American Supreme Court Justice in the United States.
4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A powerful advocate for gender equality who later became a Supreme Court Justice.

These individuals showcase lawyer and advocate difference in the world.

Conclusion

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.

Useful Resources for Aspiring Legal Professionals

If you’re considering a career in law or exploring related fields, here are some valuable resources to help guide your journey:

• How to Become a Lawyer – A Complete Guide
• Highest Paying Arts Stream Jobs
• All You Need to Know about LLM Course in India
• List of Humanities Subjects and Course Details for 2025

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)