The Ultimate Guide to Advocate Ethics and Responsibilities

Introduction

Advocate ethics and responsibilities are fundamental to maintaining justice and professional integrity. Advocates are bound by legal and ethical guidelines, ensuring fair representation and adherence to the rule of law. Their conduct is governed by:

  • The Advocates Act, 1961
  • The Bar Council of India Rules
  • The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
  • The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

Every advocate must follow these regulations while balancing duties towards the court, clients, colleagues, and society. Failing to uphold advocate ethics and responsibilities can result in disciplinary action, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

Advocate Ethics and Responsibilities Towards the Court

Advocates have specific ethical and legal duties toward the court, including:

  • Respect for the Court: Advocates must maintain decorum and uphold the judiciary’s dignity.
  • No Misleading Information: False statements or misrepresentation are strictly prohibited.
  • No Private Communication with Judges: All legal proceedings must be transparent and formal.
  • Avoiding Delaying Tactics: Advocates should not unnecessarily prolong cases.
  • Preventing Conflict of Interest: Representation should remain unbiased.

Key Case Law: Harish Uppal v. Union of India (2003) – Advocates cannot go on strike, as it disrupts the judicial system.

Advocate Ethics and Responsibilities Towards Clients

An advocate’s duty to their client is crucial in ensuring fair representation. Key obligations include:

  • Maintaining Confidentiality: Client information must be protected.
  • Providing Honest Legal Advice: Advocates should offer truthful and practical guidance.
  • Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Advocates must not represent cases where personal interests interfere.
  • Charging Reasonable Fees: Fair and transparent legal fees are essential.
  • Ensuring Diligence and Competence: Advocates must handle cases with expertise and responsibility.

Key Case Law: V.C. Rangadurai v. D. Gopalan (1979) – Advocates must remain loyal to their clients.

Advocate Ethics and Responsibilities Towards Opponents & Colleagues

Professional conduct extends beyond clients to include fair treatment of opponents and colleagues:

  • Maintaining Professional Courtesy: Advocates must be respectful in legal proceedings.
  • Avoiding Personal Attacks: Criticism should be based on facts, not personal grievances.
  • No Deception or Fraud: Engaging in unethical tactics is prohibited.
  • Assisting Junior Lawyers: Senior advocates should mentor and guide younger lawyers.

Key Case Law: P.D. Gupta v. Ram Murti (1997) – Advocates must maintain high ethical standards in the profession.

Advocate Ethics and Responsibilities Towards Society

Advocates play a larger role in promoting justice and social welfare. Their ethical responsibilities include:

  • Encouraging Justice and the Rule of Law: Advocates should act as protectors of legal fairness.
  • Promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Methods like mediation and arbitration should be encouraged.
  • Avoiding Unlawful Activities: Advocates must never support or engage in illegal acts.

Key Case Law: D.P. Chadha v. Triyugi Narain Mishra (2001) – Advocates are duty-bound to contribute to justice.

Duty to Provide Free Legal Aid

Providing legal aid is a core ethical responsibility of advocates. Their obligations include:

  • Offering Free Legal Assistance to the Poor: Advocates should take up pro bono cases.
  • Participating in Lok Adalats and Legal Aid Clinics: They should actively engage in free legal forums.
  • Raising Legal Awareness: Advocates must educate the public about their rights.

Key Case Law: Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1980) – Legal aid is a fundamental right.

Consequences of Failing Advocate Ethics and Responsibilities

Failure to uphold advocate ethics and responsibilities can lead to:

  • Disciplinary Action: Suspension or disqualification by the Bar Council.
  • Contempt of Court: Legal penalties under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
  • Loss of Reputation: Ethical breaches damage professional credibility.

Conclusion

Advocate ethics and responsibilities are vital for maintaining justice and legal integrity. Compliance with The Advocates Act, Bar Council Rules, and judicial principles is mandatory for every advocate. By fulfilling their duties toward the court, clients, and society, advocates uphold the legal system and contribute to fair justice.


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Hiring Now: Legal Internship at Fabindia Limited (New Delhi) | Apply Today

Fabindia Limited – Established in 1960, Fabindia has grown into one of India’s most iconic lifestyle and retail companies. It is celebrated for promoting traditional Indian crafts, artisanal clothing, handloom textiles, and home furnishings, while connecting rural artisans to urban markets. With more than six decades of operations, Fabindia has consistently supported sustainable livelihoods and preserved India’s rich cultural heritage by integrating craft-based products into contemporary lifestyles. Today, the brand operates across India and abroad, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity that resonates with millions of customers.

Fabindia’s mission goes beyond commerce – it is deeply rooted in social impact, fair trade practices, and sustainable business models. By linking over 55,000 rural artisans to mainstream retail channels, Fabindia has empowered craft communities and ensured their survival in a fast-changing global economy. For law students, this creates a dynamic opportunity to engage with corporate, commercial, and compliance law within an organization that not only drives retail growth but also creates meaningful social change.

Location: New Delhi (On-site, Corporate Office)


About the Internship Program

The Legal Internship at Fabindia is designed for law students who want to explore the intersection of law, business, and sustainability. Interns will gain hands-on exposure to how an in-house legal team operates in a large corporate organization. This program is particularly suitable for students interested in:

  • Corporate Law (contracts, commercial transactions, compliance)
  • Labour and Employment Law (employee agreements, workplace policies)
  • Intellectual Property Law (brand protection, trademarks, copyright)
  • E-commerce Regulations (digital sales, consumer rights, online contracts)
  • Retail Sector Compliance (supply chain, vendor agreements, consumer disputes)

The internship ensures that students are not only observers but active participants in drafting, research, and case support.


Position / Vacancies

  • Position: Legal Intern
  • Vacancies: Not specified (limited positions; selection based on merit)
  • Duration: Minimum 2 months (with possibility of extension, based on performance and business needs)

Eligibility Criteria

The internship is open to law students who meet the following requirements:

  • Currently pursuing LL.B. (3-year or 5-year program) from a recognized institution
  • Strong legal research, drafting, and analytical abilities
  • Excellent command over written and verbal communication
  • Attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines
  • A genuine interest in corporate law, contracts, compliance, and intellectual property
  • Familiarity with MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for preparing legal documents and reports

Preferred qualities include enthusiasm to learn, adaptability to a fast-paced work environment, and eagerness to gain practical exposure to business law.


Key Responsibilities

As a Legal Intern at Fabindia, you will be entrusted with diverse responsibilities that provide real-time exposure to corporate legal practice:

  • Contract Drafting & Review: Work on drafting and reviewing agreements such as vendor contracts, supplier agreements, influencer collaborations, and employment contracts.
  • Compliance Support: Assist the legal team in ensuring compliance with labour laws, retail regulations, and e-commerce guidelines.
  • Legal Research: Conduct research on commercial law, fashion law, consumer protection, and other regulatory issues impacting the retail industry.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Prepare MIS reports, maintain legal documentation, and update internal trackers.
  • Brand & IP Protection: Support trademark filings, copyright issues, and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
  • Policy Drafting: Assist in preparing legal policies for employee compliance, retail operations, and digital business initiatives.
  • Dispute Support: Provide background research and drafting assistance for consumer complaints or legal notices received.

These tasks are structured to give interns practical skills required in in-house legal careers while providing exposure to high-value transactions and operational challenges.


Why Choose a Legal Internship at Fabindia?

Interning at Fabindia is not just about gaining work experience – it is about contributing to an organization that balances commerce with social responsibility. Some reasons why this internship is a valuable career step:

  1. Corporate Law in Action – Experience how laws are implemented in real-world business scenarios.
  2. Exposure to Retail & E-commerce – Learn the unique legal challenges of operating in the fashion and lifestyle sector.
  3. IP & Brand Management – Understand how intellectual property shapes brand identity in a competitive market.
  4. Sustainability-Driven Law – Observe how legal frameworks can support sustainable and ethical business models.
  5. Networking & Mentorship – Gain access to senior in-house lawyers who provide mentorship and career guidance.
  6. Skill Development – Strengthen your drafting, negotiation, and compliance skills, preparing you for both law firms and in-house roles.

Stipend / Allowance

  • Not specified (to be discussed during selection; exposure-focused program)

Future Opportunities

Successful interns may be considered for:

  • Extended internships or return offers
  • Long-term collaboration with the Fabindia legal team
  • Strong recommendations for future academic or professional pursuits

Application Procedure

Interested candidates may apply by sending their updated CV/Resume to:

anamika.kushwaha@fabindia.net

Subject line: Application for Legal Internship – Fabindia Limited, New Delhi

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further evaluation, which may include a short interview or assignment.


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