Advocate / वकील

An advocate is a person who represents someone in a court of law, argues on their behalf, or provides legal advice. They are experts in law and protect their client's rights. Advocates are also known by other names like Lawyer, Vakil, Barrister (in some cases), or Legal Advisor, depending on the context and local language.

Types of Legal Careers

1. Corporate Advocate (Corporate Lawyer)

Overview

Corporate advocates handle legal matters for businesses, advising on contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance with corporate laws like the Companies Act, 2013.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Pathway

Admission Process

Top Institutions

Government Private
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
National Law University (NLU), Delhi

Course Duration

5 years (integrated LL.B) or 6 years (graduation + 3-year LL.B).
Additional 1-2 years for LLM or practical training.

Fee Structure

Government :   ₹1,00,000 - ₹3,00,000 (total).
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹20,00,000 (total).

2. Criminal Defense Advocate

About

Criminal advocates defend clients accused of crimes like theft, murder, or fraud, ensuring fair trials and protecting legal rights.

Scope

Qualification

Entrance Exam

Best Colleges

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Amity Law School, Noida
NLU, Delhi Christ University, Bengaluru
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Duration

5 years (integrated LL.B) or 6 years (graduation + LL.B).
6-12 months for AIBE and initial practice setup.

Approximate Fee

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,00,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

3. Prosecution Advocate (Government Attorney)

Role Snapshot

Prosecution advocates represent the state or government in criminal cases, ensuring justice by prosecuting offenders.

Core Functions

Eligibility

Entrance Requirements

Leading Colleges

Government Private
NLU, Jodhpur Manipal University, Jaipur
Government Law College, Mumbai Symbiosis Law School, Pune
ILS Law College, Pune

Timeframe

5-6 years for LL.B.
1-2 years for government exam preparation and AIBE.

Cost Estimate

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹4,00,000 - ₹12,00,000.

4. Family Advocate

Introduction

Family advocates specialize in legal matters like divorce, child custody, alimony, and domestic violence cases.

Areas of Work

Qualifications Needed

Admission Path

Top Colleges

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Christ University, Bengaluru
NLU, Delhi Amity Law School, Noida
Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University

Duration

5 years (integrated) or 6 years (graduation + LL.B).
Additional 6-12 months for AIBE and training.

Fees

Government :   ₹60,000 - ₹2,00,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

5. Cyber Advocate (Cyber Lawyer)

Overview

Cyber advocates tackle legal issues related to cybercrimes, data privacy, and IT laws, protecting clients from digital fraud or breaches.

Key Roles

Eligibility

Entrance Exams

Best Institutes

Government Private
NALSAR, Hyderabad Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NLU, Delhi Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
Government Law College, Mumbai

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for certifications and AIBE.

Fee Range

Government :   ₹80,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000.

6. Immigration Advocate

About

Immigration advocates assist clients with visas, residency, citizenship, and refugee matters, navigating complex immigration laws.

Scope

Qualifications

Entrance Process

Top Colleges

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Amity Law School, Noida
NLU, Jodhpur Christ University, Bengaluru
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and specialization training.

Fees

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

7. Tax Advocate

Role Overview

Tax advocates specialize in tax laws, advising clients on compliance, disputes, and tax planning to minimize liabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Eligibility

Entrance Exams

Top Institutes

Government Private
NLU, Delhi Symbiosis Law School, Pune
Government Law College, Mumbai Manipal University, Jaipur
ILS Law College, Pune

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
1 year for additional certifications or AIBE.

Fee Structure

Government :   ₹70,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

8. Intellectual Property Advocate

Introduction

IP advocates protect clients’ patents, trademarks, and copyrights, handling disputes and IP registrations.

Work Areas

Qualifications

Admission Path

Best Colleges

Government Private
NALSAR, Hyderabad Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
NLU, Delhi Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NLSIU, Bengaluru

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and IP training.

Fees

Government :   ₹1,00,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹20,00,000.

9. Bankruptcy Advocate

Overview

Bankruptcy advocates assist clients in financial distress, handling insolvency and restructuring cases under laws like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

Scope

Qualifications

Entrance Exams

Top Institutes

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Amity Law School, Noida
NLU, Jodhpur Christ University, Bengaluru
Government Law College, Mumbai

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and training.

Fees

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

10. Constitutional Advocate

Role Snapshot

Constitutional advocates handle cases involving fundamental rights, government actions, and constitutional disputes.

Key Functions

Eligibility

Entrance Process

Leading Colleges

Government Private
NLU, Delhi Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NLSIU, Bengaluru Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Timeframe

5-6 years for LL.B.
1-2 years for AIBE and specialization.

Cost Estimate

Government :   ₹80,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000.

11. Employment and Labor Advocate

About

These advocates handle workplace disputes, labor rights, and employment contracts, ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Scope

Qualifications

Entrance Exams

Best Colleges

Government Private
NALSAR, Hyderabad Christ University, Bengaluru
NLU, Jodhpur Amity Law School, Noida
ILS Law College, Pune

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and training.

Fees

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

12. Entertainment Advocate

Introduction

Entertainment advocates represent clients in media, film, and arts, handling contracts, IP, and disputes.

Work Areas

Qualifications

Admission Path

Top Colleges

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NLU, Delhi Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
Government Law College, Mumbai

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and training.

Fees

Government :   ₹80,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000.

13. Estate Planning Advocate

Overview

Estate planning advocates assist clients in drafting wills, trusts, and handling probate matters.

Key Roles

Eligibility

Entrance Exams

Best Institutes

Government Private
NLU, Delhi Amity Law School, Noida
NLSIU, Bengaluru Christ University, Bengaluru
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and training.

Fees

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

14. Securities Advocate

Role Snapshot

Securities advocates handle legal matters related to stocks, bonds, and financial instruments, ensuring SEBI compliance.

Key Functions

Eligibility

Entrance Process

Leading Colleges

Government Private
NALSAR, Hyderabad Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NLU, Jodhpur Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
Government Law College, Mumbai

Timeframe

5-6 years for LL.B.
1-2 years for AIBE and specialization.

Cost Estimate

Government :   ₹80,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹20,00,000.

15. Military Advocate (Judge Advocate General - JAG)

About

Military advocates provide legal advice in military law, handling court-martials and defense regulations.

Scope

Qualifications

Entrance Exams

Best Colleges

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Amity Law School, Noida
NLU, Delhi Christ University, Bengaluru
ILS Law College, Pune

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
1-2 years for AIBE and SSB preparation.

Fees

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

16. Public Interest Advocate

Introduction

Public interest advocates represent marginalized groups in civil and criminal cases, focusing on social justice.

Work Areas

Qualifications

Admission Path

Top Colleges

Government Private
NLU, Delhi Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NLSIU, Bengaluru Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and training.

Fees

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

17. Human Rights Advocate

Overview

Human rights advocates fight for victims of abuses like trafficking, discrimination, or police brutality.

Key Roles

Eligibility

Entrance Exams

Best Institutes

Government Private
NALSAR, Hyderabad Christ University, Bengaluru
NLU, Delhi Amity Law School, Noida
NLSIU, Bengaluru

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and training.

Fees

Government :   ₹80,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000.

18. Environmental Advocate

Role Snapshot

Environmental advocates specialize in laws protecting the environment, working with NGOs or government bodies.

Key Functions

Eligibility

Entrance Process

Leading Colleges

Government Private
NLU, Delhi Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NLSIU, Bengaluru Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
ILS Law College, Pune

Timeframe

5-6 years for LL.B.
1-2 years for AIBE and specialization.

Cost Estimate

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

19. Personal Injury Advocate

About

Personal injury advocates represent clients injured due to negligence, such as in accidents or medical malpractice.

Scope

Qualifications

Entrance Exams

Best Colleges

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Amity Law School, Noida
NLU, Delhi Christ University, Bengaluru
Government Law College, Mumbai

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
6-12 months for AIBE and training.

Fees

Government :   ₹50,000 - ₹2,50,000.
Private :   ₹5,00,000 - ₹15,00,000.

20. Supreme Court Advocate (India)

Introduction

Supreme Court advocates are authorized to practice in India’s highest court, handling complex constitutional and civil cases.

Work Areas

Qualifications

Admission Path

Top Colleges

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
NLU, Delhi Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NALSAR, Hyderabad

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
5+ years for practice and AOR exam preparation.

Fees

Government :   ₹1,00,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹20,00,000.

21. Senior Advocate (India)

Overview

Senior advocates are elite lawyers designated by the Supreme Court or High Courts for their expertise.

Key Roles

Eligibility

Entrance Exams

Best Institutes

Government Private
NLU, Delhi Christ University, Bengaluru
NLSIU, Bengaluru Amity Law School, Noida
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Duration

5-6 years for LL.B.
10+ years for senior advocate designation.

Fees

Government :   ₹80,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000.

22. Advocate-on-Record (India)

Role Snapshot

Advocates-on-Record (AOR) are authorized to file cases in the Supreme Court, acting as a bridge for other advocates.

Key Functions

Eligibility

Entrance Process

Leading Colleges

Government Private
NLSIU, Bengaluru Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
NLU, Delhi Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NALSAR, Hyderabad

Timeframe

5-6 years for LL.B.
5+ years for AOR eligibility and exam.

Cost Estimate

Government :   ₹1,00,000 - ₹3,00,000.
Private :   ₹6,00,000 - ₹20,00,000.