STIPEND SCHEME TO JUNIOR LAWYERS

STIPEND SCHEME TO JUNIOR LAWYERS

As Informed by the Bar Council of India, states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand have introduced stipend and/or financial assistance measures for junior advocates through State Government schemes, State Bar Council welfare mechanisms and/or structured programmes of Bar Associations. In so far as Maharashtra is concerned, any State-wide stipend scheme would typically require an implementation framework at the level of the State Bar Council and/or a State Government supported programme, including budgetary backing, eligibility criteria, verification and audit.

The Bar Council of India is aware that early-career income challenges are faced by a large segment of junior advocates. It therefore, vide Circular No.BCI:D:5383/2024 dated 15.10.2024 addressed to all State Bar Councils and Bar Associations on the subject “Minimum Stipend for Junior Advocates associated with assisting Advocates/Senior Advocates/Law Firms” has inter alia, recommended for a minimum monthly stipend benchmark of Rs.20,000/- per month for junior advocates in urban areas and Rs.15,000/- per month for junior advocates in rural areas.

This information was given by the MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in Lok Sabha today.