Pune: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has proposed a stipend system for junior lawyers to address the financial challenges they face during the initial years of their legal practice. As per the new guidelines, junior lawyers practicing in urban areas should receive a monthly stipend of ₹20,000, while those in rural areas should be paid ₹15,000.
This stipend is recommended for the first three years of practice, starting from the lawyer’s joining date. The initiative aims to provide financial support to junior lawyers, many of whom struggle to establish a stable income in the early years of their career.
The BCI emphasized that the stipend guidelines are advisory and not mandatory for senior lawyers or law firms. However, the council has urged senior advocates to adopt these measures and maintain proper records of payments.
“The guidelines are aimed at empowering junior lawyers and ensuring they have financial stability during the initial phase of their careers,” said a BCI representative.
Advocate Rajendra Umap, president of the Maharashtra and Goa Bar Council, remarked, “Senior lawyers already guide junior colleagues to help them achieve financial independence. As a council, we are also working on establishing training academies to equip young lawyers with the necessary skills to succeed from the start of their careers.”
Advocate Sujata Ghadge, a district court practitioner, added, “Many junior lawyers face severe financial challenges during their first few years. A stipend system would significantly ease their burdens and enable them to focus on their legal work with greater energy and dedication.”
Increasing Numbers of Junior Lawyers
The number of newly registered lawyers has been steadily rising:
2020: 8,934
2021: 14,821
2022: 13,788
2023: 13,482
2024: 15,858