Government Highlights Stipend Schemes for Junior Advocates in Several States

The Voice of Chandigarh 

Several Indian states have introduced stipend and financial assistance schemes for junior advocates to address early-career income challenges, the government informed Parliament on Thursday.

According to the Bar Council of India (BCI), states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand are already supporting junior lawyers through state government initiatives, State Bar Council welfare measures, and structured Bar Association programmes.

In response to concerns from Maharashtra, the BCI noted that any state-wide stipend scheme there would require a formal implementation framework involving the State Bar Council and/or state government support. This would include budgetary allocation, eligibility norms, verification mechanisms and audit processes, the Council said.

Highlighting the financial difficulties faced by early-career advocates, the BCI issued Circular No. BCI:D:5383/2024 dated October 15, 2024, recommending a minimum monthly stipend of ₹20,000 for junior advocates in urban areas and ₹15,000 for those in rural areas. The recommendation applies to junior lawyers assisting advocates, senior advocates, or law firms.

The information was shared by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal.

The move is seen as a significant step toward improving financial stability for young legal professionals and encouraging wider adoption of structured stipend systems across states.