presented by: research foundation for governance in india
TRANSCRIPT
Presented by:Research Foundation for Governance in
India
Research Foundation for Governance in India
The Importance of Judiciary in India…
The Entry Route to Judiciary goes through the Bar…
“Litigation is now-a-days based on brand name rather than on quality” –Professor , NALSAR
“More juniors are coming into litigation as they are not getting placements anywhere else. They have no choice and have to join the bar.” – Senior Counsel, Supreme Court of India
Research Foundation for Governance in India
3 year vs. 5 year law school No bar exam A non-institutionalised practice of Juniorship
and ‘waiting period’ Scope for Bar Councils to help the new-
entrants. Eg: The Karnataka Bar Council
Research Foundation for Governance in India
Research Foundation for Governance in India
The Survey census includes: A team of 15 young lawyers and law
students conducting the survey 6 cities in India (Bombay, Delhi, Ahmedabad,
Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad) Over 100 lawyers at the Lower Court Over 150 lawyers and judges High Courts Over 30 Supreme Court Lawyers and judges
Research Foundation for Governance in India
The system of Juniorship
The need for background
Lack of incentives to join
Research Foundation for Governance in India
“There is a waiting period of at least 5-10 years. By 35, you are stable in profession. By 45, you start getting reputation, and by 55, you start making money!!” – HC Judge
“From a female’s perspective, litigation only after marriage with ‘support’”—Professor NALSAR
Research Foundation for Governance in India
All Lawyers are Equal, but Some are More Equal than Others!
‘Who is a junior anyway?!’
The Practice has not yet been Institutionalised
Do you think the practice should be institutionalised?
Research Foundation for Governance in India
Yes48%
No26%
Can't Say26%
Research Foundation for Governance in India
“Litigation has become like the caste system, only the person having a ‘father’ can enter it.” –Professor NLSIU
Research Foundation for Governance in India
Research Foundation for Governance in India
“Juniors should not look at money if they want to enter this profession.”
How much do you get paid per month?
“PEANUTS!!”--Gold Medalist practicing for 4 years
Research Foundation for Governance in India
Research Foundation for Governance in India
47%
27%
4%
15%
7%
0 Rs.
Depends on Case
No Reply
3000-8000 Rs.
Above 8000 Rs.
Research Foundation for Governance in India
Yes12%
No74%
Can't Say14%
Law firms (domestic and international): 30% Companies/consulting outfits: 25% Studying abroad (LLMs/ MBAs): 20% Courts (litigation): 15% Developmental and welfare organizations: 5% Miscellaneous (teaching/research): 5%
Source: Sachin Malhan, A Case for National Law Schools, THE HINDU
Research Foundation for Governance in India
Research Foundation for Governance in India
Yale University : 25 Lakhs per year (3 years)
Oxford University: 9.6 lakhs per year (3 years)
National Law Schools: 70,000- 80,000 Rs. per year (5 years)
Research Foundation for Governance in India
How much do First Year Lawyers
Earn Abroad?
Source: Bar Council UK, Bar Council India, American Bar Association
Research Foundation for Governance in India
05
10152025303540
USA UK India
Lakh
Rup
ees
Mean Average Earnings of First Year Attorney
Corporate
Litigation
Yale University, USA: 65 Lakhs
Oxford University, UK: ◦ During Pupilage: 7.8 Lakhs◦ Post pupilage earnings range widely but
generally increase drastically
National Law School Bangalore, India: 60,000 Rs.
Research Foundation for Governance in India
USA◦ LSAT required to get into law school◦ Case Method Approach◦ Hands-on training through law clinics◦ Preparation for bar exam
UK◦ Lecture-based, inns of court◦ Hands-on training occurs later during Bar Vocational
Course◦ Moot-courts◦ Soft skill development and court-craft training◦ Preparation for Bar Exam
India◦ Stark divide between Traditional Law Colleges and
National Law Schools◦ Entrance exam required to attend 5 year law schools, but
no bar exam
Research Foundation for Governance in India
“Litigating is the best profession because apart from your skills it all depends on the approach. If given a chance I would love to be a litigator again on rebirth” Lawyer, Lower Court
Research Foundation for Governance in India
Effective incentives have not been implemented to attract top law school graduates
Students strongly believe that a background in litigation and a godfather is required to enter the field
Students are often discouraged by the juniorship process that is required
“All juniors in India are not the same, but the standard needs to be set by the best ones” – A young lawyer who has practiced in UK, US and India
Research Foundation for Governance in India
The Debate…