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Qualifications of Legal Professionals in India and Their Practice

  • rasika773
  • Oct 16
  • 5 min read

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on Legal Professional Qualifications in India and Their Roles in Practice. I would like to remind you that suggestions on this post should not be taken as medical advice, legal advice, therapy, etc. or as a one-size-fits-all approach.  Keep in mind that every individual’s journey of  experiencing and navigating through stress or trauma is distinctive because you are one of a kind and no person is truly like you!  Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid.  Please know that healing is not a formula and is not for anyone else to define for you. You do you, and you follow all that you need to follow, to help yourself. If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."


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Written by: Ojas. P. Suresh


The pathways into and progression within the legal profession are shaped by India’s comprehensive legal education system and professional framework. The qualifications that legal professionals hold determine their roles, responsibilities, and career opportunities. Understanding these requirements clarifies the transition from law school to professional practice.


Providing legal assistance to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) requires that services be survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and technically proficient. When survivors and support organizations are aware of the qualifications of Indian legal professionals, they can make more informed decisions about whom to contact for assistance. Each qualification carries its own scope of practice, ethical framework, and potential for integrating trauma-informed care.


Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

In India, the LLB is the prerequisite for anyone aspiring to work as a lawyer. It is typically offered as either a five-year integrated program following high school or a three-year program after graduation. Upon completing their studies, graduates can register with the Bar Council of India (BCI).


To be eligible to practice advocacy, graduates must pass the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE) (Bar Council of India, 2023). After earning an LLB, lawyers can:

  • Practice as advocates in district, high, or supreme courts.

  • Work as in-house legal advisors, in NGOs, or in law firms.

  • Apply for government legal positions through competitive exams.


Relevance to GBV Survivors: LLB graduates receive training in criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional rights, all of which are directly applicable to cases of gender-based violence. This qualification serves as the foundation for legal practice.


Trauma-Informed Connection: Law schools can incorporate courses on human rights and women’s law, emphasizing sensitivity to the experiences of survivors.


Utility: Awareness that LLB graduates are qualified to represent survivors in lower courts and provide preliminary legal guidance is highly beneficial for those seeking support.

Master of Laws (LLM)

An LLM is a postgraduate degree designed for specialization in specific fields of law, such as international law, criminal law, or corporate law. This degree enhances career prospects, particularly in academia, research, or international organizations (University Grants Commission, 2022).


Professionals holding an LLM may:

  • Handle complex cases and specialize in advanced legal areas.

  • Secure teaching positions at universities and law schools.

  • Serve as advisors or consultants for businesses and policy organizations.


Relevance to GBV Survivors: LLM specializations in criminal law, family law, or human rights law provide advanced expertise in handling gender-based violence (GBV) cases.


Trauma-Informed Connection: These programs may cover international best practices, gender justice, and trauma research, enhancing lawyers’ ability to support survivors sensitively.


Utility: Survivors may prefer attorneys with these specializations for complex cases involving custody, divorce, or human rights litigation.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law

Individuals interested in academia, research, or policymaking often pursue a PhD in law. This degree enhances opportunities for teaching at advanced levels and contributing to legal scholarship. However, a PhD is not required to practice as an advocate. Many PhD graduates also participate in the development of policies and legal reforms (Bar Council of India, 2021).

All India Bar Examination (AIBE)

The Bar Council of India (BCI) administers the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE), a mandatory certification exam for all advocates. After passing the AIBE and receiving the Certificate of Practice, advocates are authorized to represent clients in court. LLB graduates cannot practice in court without this certification (Bar Council of India, 2023).

Diplomas and Certifications

In addition to formal degrees, short-term diploma and certificate programs are available in areas such as cyber law, intellectual property rights, arbitration, and mediation. These programs expand a professional’s areas of practice and enhance their skill set (National Law University Delhi, 2022).

Judicial Services Examination

Law graduates can also enter the judiciary by taking state-level judicial services examinations. Successful candidates are appointed to positions such as civil judge or entry-level magistrate. In these roles, adjudication takes precedence over advocacy (Union Public Service Commission, 2021).

Enrollment with the state Bar council

  • Relevance to GBV Survivors: This certification allows solicitors to legally practice law in India.

  • Trauma-Informed Connection: The Bar Council of India’s Code of Ethics emphasizes client dignity and confidentiality, two critical considerations for supporting GBV survivors.

  • Utility: Survivors can verify a lawyer’s enrollment to ensure they are legally licensed and accountable.

Designation as an Advocate-on-Record (AOR) in the Supreme Court

  • Relevance to GBV Survivors: Only Advocates-on-Record (AORs) are authorized to file cases in the Supreme Court of India, which is essential for constitutional challenges and appeals.

  • Trauma-Informed Connection: AORs often handle cases that set legal precedents, and their survivor-centered arguments can influence decisions at the federal level.

  • Utility: Understanding that AORs are qualified for high-level advocacy in cases requiring urgent constitutional remedies helps survivors access appropriate legal representation.

Notaries and Legal Aid Lawyers

  • Relevance to GBV Survivors: Legal aid attorneys provide free legal representation to underrepresented survivors, while notaries ensure the authenticity of important documents.

  • Trauma-Informed Connection: Legal aid attorneys are encouraged to receive training in gender sensitivity and trauma-informed practices to better support survivors.

  • Utility: Survivors from underrepresented groups gain access to affordable and accessible legal remedies, ensuring they can pursue justice without financial barriers.

Specialized Certifications (e.g., Alternative Dispute Resolution, Human Rights Law, Gender Studies)

  • Relevance to GBV Survivors: Professionals certified in human rights, mediation, or arbitration are better equipped to handle sensitive cases outside traditional court settings.

  • Trauma-Informed Connection: Survivor-centered negotiation and mediation prioritize empowerment while minimizing the risk of re-traumatization.

  • Utility: Professionals trained in alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, which often results in faster and less adversarial outcomes, can provide significant benefits to survivors.

Comparison of Legal Qualifications:

For legal professionals, each qualification opens a distinct career path. For example, after passing the bar exam, an LLB graduate can begin practicing law immediately, while an LLM holder gains specialized expertise and credibility in specific fields. Judicial service examinations guide graduates toward careers in adjudication, whereas a PhD is valuable for research and teaching. These differences influence both clients’ decisions when seeking legal assistance and the professional development of the practitioners themselves.


Qualification

Practice Opportunities

Key Notes


LLB

Advocacy, legal advisor, NGOs, corporate roles

Must pass AIBE for practice


LLM

Specialized practice, teaching, consultancy

Focus on niche expertise


PhD in Law

Academia, policy-making, research

Not required for court practice


Diplomas

Cyber law, arbitration, mediation

Skill-based specialization


Judicial Services

Judiciary roles (judge, magistrate)

Selected via exams



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