Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has called upon senior lawyers to pay junior lawyers a dignified amount for their long working hours. This call aims to address the longstanding issue of inadequate compensation for junior lawyers, who often endure extensive hours with minimal financial reward.
The Current State of Junior Lawyers’ Compensation
Disparities Across Cities
The compensation for junior lawyers varies significantly across different cities in India. In cities like Delhi, some senior advocates pay their juniors well, with salaries ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3-5 lakh per month. This disparity is highlighted by Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, who supports the CJI’s call for fair pay. Dave emphasized that the practice of not paying juniors, which some senior lawyers believe is a favor, needs to be discontinued oai_citation:1,Junior Lawyers Are Not Slaves, Seniors Should Pay Them Well : CJI DY Chandrachud | BCI Event Speech – YouTube oai_citation:2,How much do seniors pay juniors? Part I: Delhi lawyers.
The Situation in Mumbai
Contrastingly, in Mumbai, the tradition of paying juniors minimal stipends is more prevalent. Junior lawyers often receive between ₹5,000-10,000 per month, which is insufficient given Mumbai’s high cost of living. Advocate Urvi Mohan pointed out that such low compensation makes it extremely difficult for juniors from less affluent backgrounds to sustain themselves in the profession. Mohan also noted that in Mumbai, juniors sometimes work on a commission basis, receiving a percentage of the briefs they handle oai_citation:3,How much do seniors pay juniors? Part I: Delhi lawyers.
The Impact of Low Compensation
Financial Strain on Junior Lawyers
Low compensation places significant financial strain on junior lawyers, especially those who have relocated from other cities or come from non-affluent backgrounds. Inadequate pay can lead to high stress levels and may force talented young lawyers to leave the profession prematurely.
The Need for a Supportive Environment
Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa highlighted the importance of supporting junior lawyers financially. He shared his own experiences, noting that the financial help and opportunities he received from his seniors were crucial during his early career. Pahwa now adopts a similar approach, ensuring his juniors are paid a fixed sum for sustenance and allowing them to earn more based on their efforts and contributions oai_citation:4,How much do seniors pay juniors? Part I: Delhi lawyers.
Responses to CJI Chandrachud’s Call
Support from Senior Advocates
Many senior advocates have expressed support for CJI Chandrachud’s call for fair compensation. Siddhartha Dave and Vikas Pahwa, among others, have acknowledged the need to pay juniors adequately. They recognize that fair compensation is essential not only for the well-being of junior lawyers but also for maintaining the quality and integrity of legal services.
Proposed Changes
Senior Advocate Sanjoy Ghose proposed that starting salaries for junior lawyers in a senior’s chamber should be around ₹35,000, with annual increments and opportunities for juniors to take on their own cases after a year or two. This approach aims to balance fair compensation with opportunities for professional growth and financial independence oai_citation:5,CJI Chandrachud: Junior Lawyers not slaves, pay fairly; Legal Profession shouldn’t be ‘Old Boy’s Club’.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Equity and Fairness
CJI Chandrachud’s remarks have ignited a much-needed conversation about the financial treatment of junior lawyers. His call to action emphasizes the importance of moving away from the “Old Boy’s Club” mentality and towards a more equitable and supportive professional environment. This change is expected to enhance the overall quality of legal services and ensure that junior lawyers are motivated, fairly compensated, and able to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession.
Conclusion
The CJI’s advocacy for fair compensation for junior lawyers marks a significant step towards addressing long-standing disparities in the legal profession. By ensuring that junior lawyers are paid a dignified amount for their hard work, the legal community can foster a more supportive, equitable, and high-quality practice environment.