Lawyer and Advocate

People usually don’t distinguish between lawyers and Advocates in a detailed manner and they fail to realise the real differences between them

A lawyer is a person who has studied law and has a law degree as proof. Lawyers can be of various types. Advocates are a type of lawyers. Other than advocates there are a few more types of lawyers such as attorneys, solicitors, etc. The different types of lawyers have different functions or are part of the different streams/fields of law. It is not necessary that a lawyer has the permission to represent a higher client in the court of law. These circumstances may rise due to any complications of certain rules and regulations of the Court.

An advocate is a type of lawyer who has a his/her degree in law and also has the permission and eligibility to represent his/her clients in the court of law.

Differences between a Lawyer and Advocate

General Difference

The first difference between a lawyer and an advocate is very well understood in the definition of the aspects given above. Advocates are a type of lawyers but there are various other types of lawyers. In short we can say that each and every advocate can be called as a lawyer but not every lawyer can be an advocate.

Eligibility

Lawyers are people with a degree in the field of law. The designation of lawyer can be availed just by having the degree. An advocate is a lawyer and is also a member of the bar council of lawyers. Along with this the advocates are also well eligible to appear beside or on behalf of his/her client in the court.

Bar Council

The behaviour, activities and conduct of the layers are not controlled or looked after by the council of India whereas the advocates have to abide by the regulations and controlling measures set by the Bar Council.

Experience

Since the lawyers don’t have the permission to represent their clients in the courtroom, hence they have no experience of activity participating in any Court proceedings. The lawyers have to keep trust on their academic experiences only. On the other hand advocates are those lawyers who have been representing or have the permission to represent their client in the court. So we can say that the advocates have the experience of attending court sessions and they don’t have to only rely on their academic background.

Other Professions

Lawyers have the freedom to get involved in any businesses according to his will and other profession if he/she feels to do so. Whereas advocates have strict restrictions in joining business or any profession. Advocates are only allowed to  non-performing or sleeping partners in a business.

Academic Activities

Lawyers have their free will and can join anywhere as a teacher or any other academic field. On the other hand advocates are involved with the court proceedings and cant be involved in teaching or any activities related with academics on a full time basis. Temporary  involvement can be accepted.

Conclusion

Today’s world has an increase in levels of crime and injustice, where advocates and lawyers play a very important role in proving innocence of people who did not commit an unjust act and to provide the criminal with the required punishment for their wrong doings. However they both have some differences which have been brought forward. Mostly the differences are in their working manners, permission around the court and practice. Mostly they work to protect the sanity of law and order.