The Law Advice- What are the most pressing issues facing the Bar today?

Rohit Pandey:   The Bar today is standing at a very crucial juncture. While it continues to be one of the strongest pillars of our democracy, there are undeniable challenges that threaten both its professional strength and ethical fabric.

First and foremost, the economic condition of young lawyers is deeply concerning. Thousands of bright law graduates enter the profession every year, but very few find structured opportunities or financial stability in the initial years. In metropolitan cities, the cost of living is high, and in smaller towns, the volume of work is limited. This imbalance often discourages many talented young advocates from continuing in litigation, leading to an unfortunate brain drain from the courts to corporate or non-legal sectors.

Secondly, we must confront the issue of declining ethical standards within the profession. Advocacy has traditionally been considered a noble calling — not just a business. Yet, increasing competition, politicization within Bar Associations, and commercial pressures have sometimes blurred that line. The profession must collectively reaffirm its moral compass. We must remind ourselves that integrity and fairness are not optional virtues; they are the foundation of our credibility before the Bench and the public.

Third, there is an urgent need to modernize the Bar’s infrastructure and mindset. Many Bar Associations across the country are still functioning with limited administrative capacity, outdated systems, and inadequate digital resources. The pandemic taught us the importance of adapting to technology — virtual hearings, e-filing, and online research are no longer luxuries but necessities. The Bar must lead, not resist, this transformation.

Fourth, the representation of women in the Bar and their access to equal opportunities remains a serious concern. Despite the increasing number of women law graduates, very few make it to positions of leadership or long-term litigation practice. Structural changes — from secure workspaces to mentorship and maternity support — are essential if we want the profession to be truly inclusive.

Lastly, I would emphasize the importance of unity within the Bar. Today, divisions based on region, ideology, or groupism have diluted our collective voice. The Bar’s strength lies in its unity — when the legal fraternity speaks with one voice, it commands respect not only from the Bench but from society at large.

In essence, the challenges before the Bar — economic, ethical, technological, and institutional — are all interconnected. Addressing them requires vision, leadership, and empathy. The Bar must not only protect its own interests but must also reaffirm its larger duty — to safeguard justice, defend the rule of law, and uphold the dignity of this great profession.

The Law Advice- There’s a growing debate on stipends for junior lawyers. What’s your perspective?

Rohit Pandey:   This is perhaps one of the most urgent and sensitive issues confronting the legal profession today. For decades, we have celebrated the nobility of the Bar — the idea that law is not merely a livelihood but a vocation in service of justice. Yet, when we look at the ground reality for thousands of young lawyers across India, the picture is deeply troubling.

The early years of legal practice are often marked by financial uncertainty. Young advocates, despite their academic qualifications and hard work, struggle to meet even their basic living expenses. The absence of structured remuneration or stipend support drives many away from litigation, especially those from modest backgrounds. This not only creates an economic disparity within the profession but also makes the Bar less diverse — because only those who can afford to “wait it out” survive.

I firmly believe that every senior lawyer and every law office bears a moral duty to mentor and financially support their juniors. A young advocate’s work — whether in drafting, research, or court appearances — contributes meaningfully to the senior’s practice. It is only fair that this contribution is recognized through reasonable compensation. Stipends are not charity; they are a rightful acknowledgment of professional labour.

Beyond individual responsibility, institutional reform is equally essential. Bar Councils and Bar Associations must step forward to create structured stipend schemes or fellowship programs for young advocates, especially in their first three years of practice. Certain High Courts, like Delhi and Bombay, have already initiated discussions on this issue — but we need a nationwide framework, not isolated experiments.

Moreover, state governments and the judiciary can also play a catalytic role. Just as government funds are allocated for judicial infrastructure and legal aid, similar provisions could be considered for the welfare of junior advocates. After all, strengthening the Bar means strengthening the justice delivery system itself.

It is also time for law firms and chambers to adopt transparent policies regarding junior engagement. A regulated or at least recommended stipend range can prevent exploitation and bring dignity to the profession. The Bar must remember that no young lawyer should be made to choose between continuing practice and survival.

Ultimately, the question of stipends is not just about economics — it’s about equity, dignity, and the future of advocacy in India. If we do not create a fair ecosystem for our juniors today, we risk losing some of the finest minds of the next generation. The legal profession thrives when mentorship, opportunity, and respect flow seamlessly from one generation to the next — and providing fair stipends is the most basic expression of that responsibility.

The Law Advice- Do you think the Bar Councils and Bar Associations are effectively representing lawyers’ interests?

Rohit Pandey:   Bar Councils and Bar Associations are the institutional backbone of the legal fraternity. They are meant to protect the dignity of the profession, ensure welfare of lawyers, and act as a bridge between the Bar and the Bench. Over the years, these bodies have undoubtedly played a significant role in safeguarding professional rights and voicing collective concerns. However, if we speak honestly, their functioning today requires serious introspection and reform.

In many places, the role of Bar Associations has unfortunately become limited to election cycles rather than continuous engagement with the problems of the legal community. Welfare initiatives, training programs, and policy advocacy often take a back seat once elections are over. The purpose of these institutions was never to be political platforms, but to be professional institutions of reform, guidance, and solidarity.

The Bar Councils, particularly at the State and national levels, carry enormous responsibilities — from enrolment and disciplinary control to legal education and welfare schemes. Yet, there is often a gap between policy and implementation. Welfare funds are underutilized, grievance mechanisms are slow, and there’s inadequate communication with the lawyers at the grassroots. A young lawyer struggling in a district court should feel that the Council is accessible and responsive — not distant or bureaucratic.

We must also recognize that the challenges facing lawyers have evolved, but our Bar institutions have not evolved at the same pace. The profession today deals with issues like digital practice, cyber law, mental health, gender sensitivity, and the need for continuing legal education — areas where Bar Councils and Associations need to take leadership. Conducting seminars or issuing resolutions is not enough; we need tangible support systems and policy advocacy that responds to modern realities.

At the same time, it would be unfair not to acknowledge the many dedicated individuals within these institutions who continue to work tirelessly for the profession. But their efforts need structural backing and collective participation. Transparency, accountability, and inclusion must become the guiding principles of our Bar governance.

I also believe that collaboration between the Bar and the Bench should be institutionalized through regular joint consultations. The welfare of lawyers and the smooth functioning of courts are interlinked; one cannot flourish without the other.

In short, the Bar Councils and Associations have the potential and the mandate — what is now required is renewed vision and active reform. They must return to their foundational role: to protect the independence of the Bar, to support the welfare of every advocate — especially the younger generation — and to ensure that the collective voice of lawyers remains strong, dignified, and united.

The Law Advice- What are your suggestions for change in the functioning of the Bar and the justice system as a whole?

Rohit Pandey:   Change in the legal profession cannot be cosmetic — it has to be structural, sustained, and value-driven. The Bar is not merely an association of advocates; it is the first line of defense for justice. To strengthen it, we need reform at three levels — institutional, professional, and ethical.

First, at the institutional level, our Bar Councils and Bar Associations must evolve from being election-oriented bodies to being policy and welfare-driven institutions. We need permanent secretariats staffed with professionals who can handle welfare schemes, digital initiatives, continuing education, and grievance redressal efficiently. Decision-making should be transparent, records should be digitized, and every lawyer — whether practicing in the Supreme Court or a small district court — should be able to access Bar services with dignity and ease.

There must also be a move towards decentralization — local Bars should have more autonomy but remain accountable to overarching professional standards set by the State and the Bar Council of India. Coordination between these levels is key.

Second, on the professional front, we need to invest in the future generation. Mandatory mentorship programs, structured stipends for juniors, and training in ethics and courtroom practice should be made part of the professional culture. Law schools and Bar Councils should work together to ensure that every new entrant receives both academic and practical training.

We should also promote continuing legal education (CLE) for all lawyers. The law evolves daily — and so must we. Refresher courses on new laws, digital literacy, mediation, arbitration, and emerging fields like AI and data privacy should be regularly organized under the Bar’s supervision.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, is the ethical dimension. The Bar’s prestige is not measured by its numbers or its political influence, but by the integrity of its members. We must restore a culture where ethics and professional courtesy are seen not as formalities but as essentials. The Bar should be fearless in taking disciplinary action where required, but equally compassionate in supporting those in genuine need.

In addition, we need greater synergy between the Bar and the Bench. Regular dialogues, consultation meetings, and joint committees can help resolve administrative issues, improve court efficiency, and build mutual trust. The justice system is one ecosystem — both institutions must work hand in hand.

Finally, we must embrace technology and inclusivity. Digital filing, virtual hearings, and online access to judgments have already changed the landscape; now, we must ensure that even the smallest court in a remote district is equally equipped. Similarly, women lawyers, differently-abled advocates, and those from underrepresented backgrounds should find the Bar welcoming, supportive, and empowering.

In essence, reform cannot be piecemeal. The Bar must reclaim its moral authority, rebuild its professional structure, and renew its sense of public duty. Only then can we ensure that the legal profession remains, as it was always meant to be, the guardian of justice and the conscience of society.

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