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 judiciaryโ€™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) โ€“ Advocates cannot go on strike, as it disrupts the judicial system.

Advocate Ethics and Responsibilities Towards Clients

An advocateโ€™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) โ€“ 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) โ€“ 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) โ€“ 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) โ€“ 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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Legal Internship at Chambers of Deepender Banger, Supreme Court of India (Delhi, 2026)

The Chambers of Deepender Banger has announced a call for a paid assessment internship at its Delhi office, offering an exceptional opportunity for final-year law students to gain practical exposure to criminal defence litigation at the highest judicial forums in the country. This opportunity for Legal Internship at Chambers of Deepender Banger is ideal for motivated students who aspire to build a career in criminal litigation and constitutional practice before the Honโ€™ble Supreme Court of India and various Honโ€™ble High Courts.

For aspiring litigators, internships at leading chambers provide invaluable exposure to real-world legal practice. This paid assessment internship allows selected candidates to work closely with experienced counsel, engage in substantive legal work, and observe court proceedings at the Supreme Court of India. If you are a final-year LL.B. or LL.M. student looking for meaningful courtroom exposure, this opportunity can play a pivotal role in shaping your professional journey.

About the Chambers of Deepender Banger

The Chambers of Deepender Banger is a well-regarded litigation practice known for handling complex criminal defence matters across various courts, including the Honโ€™ble Supreme Court of India and different Honโ€™ble High Courts. The chambers regularly appears in matters involving criminal law, constitutional issues, bail applications, appeals, and other procedural and substantive aspects of criminal litigation.

Interning at such chambers offers young legal minds the chance to understand litigation strategy, client advocacy, and the nuances of criminal defence practice. The Legal Internship at Chambers of Deepender Banger provides exposure not just to drafting and research, but also to live court proceedings, making it a holistic learning experience for law students aiming to pursue litigation as a career.

Internship Role and Key Responsibilities

The selected intern will be based at the Delhi office and will work closely with the legal team on criminal defence matters. The responsibilities under the Legal Internship at Chambers of Deepender Banger include:

Legal Research

Interns will be expected to conduct regular legal research on criminal law, constitutional provisions, procedural laws, and judicial precedents. This will help in preparing arguments and strengthening pleadings filed before the Supreme Court of India and High Courts.

Drafting of Legal Documents

Drafting is a core component of this internship. Interns will assist in preparing petitions, applications, legal notes, briefs, and other court-related documents. This hands-on drafting experience is crucial for developing precision, clarity, and legal reasoning.

Court Appearances and Observation

One of the most valuable aspects of the Legal Internship at Chambers of Deepender Banger is the opportunity to attend court hearings. Interns will have exposure to proceedings at the Honโ€™ble Supreme Court of India and various Honโ€™ble High Courts, allowing them to understand courtroom etiquette, oral advocacy, and procedural aspects of litigation.

Litigation Support

Interns may assist in case preparation, compiling case files, summarising judgments, and coordinating documentation for ongoing matters. This practical exposure helps interns understand how cases are built and presented in court.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in applying for the Legal Internship at Chambers of Deepender Banger must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Final year students of LL.B. or LL.M.
  • Strong interest in criminal law and litigation
  • Willingness to work in a fast-paced litigation environment
  • Ability to conduct legal research and assist in drafting
  • Professional attitude and commitment to learning

This internship is best suited for students who are serious about pursuing a career in litigation and want exposure to criminal defence matters at the highest judicial levels.

Stipend and Assessment Structure

This is a paid assessment internship, and the stipend will be provided as per industry standards. The assessment format allows the chambers to evaluate the internโ€™s research skills, drafting ability, work ethic, and overall suitability for litigation practice. For interns, this structure offers a chance to demonstrate their capabilities while gaining paid, practical experience in a professional litigation environment.

Why You Should Apply for This Internship

There are several compelling reasons to apply for the Legal Internship at Chambers of Deepender Banger:

Exposure to Supreme Court Practice

Very few internships offer consistent exposure to proceedings at the Honโ€™ble Supreme Court of India. This experience can be invaluable for students aspiring to practice in higher courts.

Hands-on Litigation Experience

Unlike purely research-based internships, this role involves drafting, case preparation, and court observation, giving interns a well-rounded learning experience.

Mentorship and Professional Development

Working closely with experienced litigators allows interns to receive mentorship, understand litigation strategies, and learn professional ethics in practice.

Strong Career Foundation

Completing a rigorous assessment internship in a criminal defence chamber can significantly strengthen your CV and help you stand out when applying for future litigation roles, clerkships, or junior associate positions.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested candidates must apply with their latest resume and a cover letter to the following email address at the quick apply button above.

The last date to apply for the Legal Internship at Chambers of Deepender Banger is 25 February 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as selections may be made on a rolling basis. Your cover letter should briefly explain your interest in criminal litigation, your academic background, and why you wish to intern with the Chambers of Deepender Banger


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