The terms ‘lawyer’ and ‘advocate’ are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among people. However, in India, there is a significant difference between the two. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between a lawyer and an advocate in India.
Definition of a Lawyer:
A lawyer is a professional who has a degree in law and is authorized to practice law. They can perform a variety of tasks, such as drafting legal documents, providing legal advice, and representing clients in court.
Definition of an Advocate:
An advocate is a legal professional who is entitled to represent clients in court. In India, only advocates are allowed to practice in court and represent clients in litigation.
Education and Eligibility:
To become a lawyer, an individual must obtain a degree in law from a recognized university. On the other hand, to become an advocate, an individual must complete a degree in law and then enroll themselves as an advocate with the bar council of the state in which they wish to practice.
Scope of Practice:
Lawyers are authorized to perform a wide range of tasks, including giving legal advice, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in court. Advocates, on the other hand, are restricted to representing clients in court and cannot perform tasks like giving legal advice or drafting legal documents.
Bar Council Membership:
In India, all advocates must be registered with the bar council of the state in which they wish to practice. Lawyers, on the other hand, do not have to be registered with the bar council.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the main difference between a lawyer and an advocate in India is that lawyers have a broader scope of practice, while advocates are restricted to representing clients in court. Additionally, advocates must be registered with the bar council, while lawyers do not have to be. It is essential to understand the difference between the two to make informed decisions when seeking legal representation.
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