Lawyer vs Advocate: What is the difference between a lawyer and an advocate, who should be hired to fight a case in court?

Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate: In the legal world, we often hear the terms 'Lawyer' and 'Advocate'. Many people assume they're the same thing, but in reality, there's a significant difference between them. Both are legal scholars, but their powers and scopes of work differ. If you've always thought the two terms refer to the same person, let us explain the difference.

Who is a Lawyer?
Lawyer, a generic term, refers to someone who has completed a law degree (LLB). A lawyer has knowledge of the law and can provide legal advice, prepare documents, or assist with legal proceedings. However, a lawyer cannot directly represent you in court. To do so, they must pass the Bar Council of India exam and obtain a license. Unless a lawyer obtains a license from the Bar Council, they are limited to providing advice; they cannot argue or plead cases in court.

Who is an Advocate?
An Advocate is a lawyer licensed by the Bar Council of India. They are someone who can appear in court and plead cases on behalf of their clients. An advocate's role is not limited to providing legal advice; they also present arguments on behalf of their clients, debate evidence, and represent the legal process to obtain justice.

Key Differences Between the Two
Both lawyers and advocates are engaged in the legal profession, but there is a significant difference in their roles.

Lawyer: Someone who has an LLB degree but is not licensed by the Bar Council.

Advocate: Someone who has not only earned an LLB degree but has also passed the Bar Council exam and obtained a license, thus having the right to plead cases in court.

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