A law degree may not be enough for aspiring lawyers to don the black robe soon. The government proposes to make it mandatory for law graduates to clear an entry-level exam to get a licence to practice.
The Law Ministry has initiated a dialogue on the issue with the Bar Council of India (BCI), the regulator for the legal profession, following the Union cabinet's in-principle approval of its proposal earlier this month.
"The Advocates Act, 1961, may need to be re-visited in consultation with the senior members of the Bar to consider reintroduction of mandatory apprenticeship and introduction of a qualifying exam for advocates before admission to the bar," says the proposal approved by the cabinet.
At present, just a law degree from a recognised university or a law institute is needed to register as a lawyer.
The licences are granted by the state bar councils affiliated to the BCI. There are more than a million lawyers registered with the BCI.
Law Minister M.Veerappa Moily said he wanted "holistic legal reforms", but was not willing to discuss any specific proposal.
The BCI is yet to take a final view.
Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!"
