This article will discuss the meanings of these two words. The article will explain when Advocate is appropriate and when Lawyer is appropriate.
What is a Lawyer?
A lawyer is a basic term for anyone who holds a law degree. There are many types of lawyers: advocates, attorneys and solicitors. All of them are specialists in different areas of law. Sometimes, a lawyer may not be eligible to represent a client in court.
What is an Advocate?
Advocate is a term that refers to a lawyer. A person who holds a law degree is eligible to represent his/her client in court.
Section 2(1) (a) of Advocates Act 1961 defines “Advocate” as
Advocate” refers to an Advocate who is entered in any roll pursuant to The Advocate Act 1961.
Basic Difference:
It can be stated that Advocates are lawyers, but not all Lawyers.
After a student has completed his law degree, he must take an exam administered by the All India Bar Association. The student is awarded ‘Sanad’ after passing the exam. Sanad is the qualification to practice law in India’s courts. A Law graduate with a Sanad can become an advocate.
Many lawyers also work in the corporate field. A Law Graduate who wants to work in corporate fields must surrender his Sanad. Corporate Law Graduates cannot appear in courts of law. Therefore, Corporate lawyers cannot be called Advocates.
Other Differences:
For more information, see the table differences between Lawyer and Advocate
| Lawyer | Advocate |
| The term “lawyer” is very broad and can be used to refer to anyone with a degree in law | An Advocate, on the other hand is a Law graduate who has been enrolled in the bar council and is eligible to represent his client at the court of law. |
| Bar Council of India doesn’t regulate the conduct of lawyers | Bar Council of India regulates the activities of Advocates. |
| Most lawyers don’t have courtroom experience and have a lot of academic experience | Advocates are Court Experienced and can effectively handle cases. |
| Lawyers are able to work in any industry or profession. | Advocates are not allowed to engage in any profession or business. They can, however, be a partner in a business or firm. |
| Lawyers may be engaged in full-time academic activities like Teaching. | Advocates can also be involved in academic activities, but not full-time. |
Conclusion:
An Advocate is a lawyer who can represent clients in court. Advocates cannot be called a lawyer who isn’t eligible to represent clients in court. Advocate represents his clients in court. Advocate is a type of Lawyer. Hence, all advocates are lawyers but not all Lawyers.
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