The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a circular recommending that junior advocates receive a minimum monthly stipend of ₹20,000 in urban areas and ₹15,000 in rural regions. This recommendation was made in a communication to all State Bar Councils and Bar Associations on October 15, following a directive from the Delhi High Court on July 25 regarding the stipend for junior lawyers.
The BCI emphasized that this guideline acknowledges the financial challenges junior advocates face at the beginning of their careers. The minimum stipend is intended to be provided for at least three years from the start of the junior advocate's engagement.
Recognizing the significant variations in the financial circumstances of different advocates, the BCI stated that it cannot enforce this guideline universally. It encouraged senior advocates and law firms to adhere to these stipend recommendations as much as possible, clarifying that financial constraints should not imply a lack of discipline or responsibility.
The BCI noted that advocates in metropolitan areas often have greater earning potential due to high-profile cases and corporate clients, while those in smaller towns or rural areas typically encounter fewer opportunities and lower fees. Additionally, advocates specializing in lucrative fields like corporate or intellectual property law may have more financial resources compared to those engaged in civil, criminal, or public interest work.
To support this structure, the BCI advised senior advocates to provide formal letters of engagement to junior advocates, detailing stipend terms, duration, and mentorship scope. Junior advocates who do not receive the recommended stipend or have related grievances can report these issues to their respective state bar councils. The BCI indicated that it will handle complaints regarding genuine financial difficulties with understanding, given the varied capabilities of senior practitioners.
Furthermore, the BCI plans to establish a committee to regularly review the implementation of these guidelines and adjust stipend amounts based on feedback and current economic conditions.
