When navigating legal challenges, the presence of an advocate can be both empowering and indispensable. But like any professional service, hiring an advocate comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
In this article, we break down the pros and cons of advocates to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions when seeking legal representation.
Who Is an Advocate?
An advocate, commonly known as a lawyer or legal representative, is a professional qualified to offer legal advice, represent clients in court, and ensure that justice is delivered fairly. In countries like India, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, the term “advocate” specifically refers to legal professionals who represent clients in higher courts.
What Are the Privileges of an Advocate? A Comprehensive Legal Overview
An advocate is not just a legal representative — they are officers of the court, entrusted with upholding the law and delivering justice. With that responsibility come certain legal privileges and protections designed to ensure they can perform their duties effectively, independently, and without fear of undue interference.
In this article, we explore the key privileges of an advocate, recognized under various legal systems, especially in common law jurisdictions such as India, the UK, and others.
1. Right to Practice Law
One of the foremost privileges of an advocate is the exclusive right to practice law in courts of law. In countries like India, this is governed by the Advocates Act, 1961, which states that only enrolled advocates have the right to appear before courts, tribunals, and other authorities.
Section 30 of the Advocates Act, 1961 affirms this right in India, subject to regulations of the Bar Council.
2. Right to Audience
Advocates enjoy the right of audience, which means they have the authority to represent and speak on behalf of their clients in any court or tribunal where they are qualified to appear.
This privilege ensures that advocates can speak, argue, and address the bench without hindrance, making them essential intermediaries in the justice system.
3. Privileged Communication
One of the most crucial privileges is the right to confidential communication between an advocate and their client. Known as advocate-client privilege, this ensures that any communication made for the purpose of legal advice cannot be disclosed in court without the client’s consent.
Under Section 126 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, advocates are prohibited from disclosing professional communications unless the client allows it.
This privilege promotes honesty and transparency between a client and their legal counsel, which is vital for building a strong case.
4. Immunity from Liability for Court Submissions
Advocates are granted qualified immunity for statements made during judicial proceedings, meaning they are not liable for defamation or contempt, provided their remarks are made in good faith, in the interest of their client.
This protection ensures advocates can argue fearlessly, even when challenging powerful interests or authorities.
However, this privilege is not absolute — misuse can result in disciplinary action or contempt proceedings.
5. Right to Be Enrolled and Practice Across Jurisdictions
In many countries, including India, advocates who are registered with a State Bar Council can practice law throughout the entire country.
This mobility ensures advocates can represent clients in various jurisdictions without needing separate licenses or approvals, subject to court permissions.
6. Protection Against Arrest in Certain Cases
In some legal systems, advocates are granted limited immunity from arrest while appearing in court or when traveling to and from court.
For example, under Indian law and many High Court rulings, advocates should not be arrested within court premises without prior permission from the Chief Justice.
7. Professional Autonomy and Independence
Advocates have the privilege of operating independently of the government, courts, or clients — a key tenet of a free and fair legal system. They are not obligated to act contrary to their professional ethics or conscience.
8. Right to Fees and Lien
While not enforceable like a commercial debt in many jurisdictions, advocates have the right to demand reasonable professional fees and, in some systems, can exercise a lien over client documents until dues are paid (with certain limitations).
9. Access to Court Premises and Legal Libraries
Advocates have privileged access to:
- Courtrooms and judicial chambers
- Legal libraries
- Designated advocate lounges and facilities
Pros of Hiring an Advocate
1. Expert Legal Knowledge and Experience
Advocates are trained professionals with in-depth knowledge of the law and legal procedures. They can interpret statutes, analyze cases, and craft strong legal strategies that the average person cannot manage on their own.
“Having a legal expert on your side can significantly impact the outcome of a case, especially in complex litigation or criminal defense,” says Justice Anil Sharma, retired High Court judge.
2. Representation in Court
Advocates can represent clients in court, ensuring that their rights are defended and proper legal processes are followed. This is especially important when dealing with high-stakes matters like criminal trials, divorce proceedings, or corporate lawsuits.
3. Negotiation Skills
Advocates are skilled negotiators. Whether it’s a settlement, plea bargain, or out-of-court agreement, they know how to secure the best possible outcome for their clients.
4. Procedural Knowledge
Legal processes are filled with paperwork, deadlines, and protocols. Advocates ensure that every legal formality is met—reducing the chances of dismissal or delays due to procedural errors.
5. Emotional Detachment and Objectivity
While clients may be emotionally invested in their cases, advocates offer a neutral and professional perspective. This helps in making clear-headed legal decisions.
Cons of Hiring an Advocate
1. High Cost of Legal Services
One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. Top advocates can charge high fees, making legal representation unaffordable for many.
According to a 2024 Bar Council report, the average litigation fee in urban India ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh per case.
2. Varying Quality and Ethics
Not all advocates offer the same level of service. Some may lack commitment or act unethically, putting the client’s case at risk.
3. Delays and Adjournments
Some advocates contribute to delays by frequently requesting adjournments, either due to overbooking or tactical strategy—prolonging justice for the client.
4. Dependency and Lack of Transparency
Clients often become overly dependent on their advocates, with limited understanding of the case’s progress. Lack of transparency can lead to frustration and distrust.
5. Conflict of Interest
In rare cases, advocates may have undisclosed ties with the opposing party or be influenced by political or corporate interests.
Balancing the Decision: When to Hire an Advocate
Choosing whether or not to hire an advocate depends on the complexity of the case, the potential consequences, and one’s own legal knowledge.
Ideal Scenarios for Hiring an Advocate:
- Criminal defense
- Property disputes
- Corporate litigation
- Family law (e.g., divorce, custody)
Cases Where You Might Not Need One:
- Small claims court
- Basic contracts or affidavits
- Filing RTIs or complaints
Tips for Choosing the Right Advocate
- Check Credentials and Experience
- Read Client Reviews or Testimonials
- Ask About Fees Upfront
- Ensure Clear Communication Channels
- Verify Registration with the Bar Council
Final Thoughts
Advocates play a critical role in ensuring access to justice and legal fairness. While the benefits of hiring an experienced advocate often outweigh the drawbacks, awareness of potential pitfalls is essential. Whether you’re a private individual or a business entity, informed decision-making is key to leveraging legal services effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is hiring an advocate always necessary?
Not always. For simple legal procedures, self-representation or paralegal support may suffice.
How much do advocates charge in India?
Fees vary widely—from a few thousand rupees to lakhs, depending on the advocate’s seniority and case complexity.
Can I change my advocate mid-case?
Yes, you have the right to change your legal representative, provided proper procedures are followed.
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