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Often called the watchdog of democracy, the judiciary is important for interpreting the law, settling disputes, and administering justice to all citizens.
The Supreme Court is the apex body of the judiciary that was constituted on 26th January 1950. It is the highest court of appeal and exercises original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.
Many young lawyers often dream of practising in the Supreme Court, the pinnacle of India’s judiciary. But how can you become one?
The blog discusses how to become a Supreme Court in India to help you make an informed career decision.
Who is a Supreme Court Lawyer in India?
A Supreme Court lawyer is an advocate who represents clients before the Supreme Court of India.
These lawyers handle important and complex legal matters, including constitutional issues, cases of national importance, and disputes that involve major interpretations of law.
Advocates practising in the Supreme Court may also work on appellate advocacy, legal research, case strategy, and matters related to the interpretation of laws and constitutional provisions.
Can any Lawyer File Cases in the Supreme Court?
No. To file a case independently in the Supreme Court as an advocate, you must be an Advocate on Record (AOR). This is a special designation conferred to lawyers who have the power to file cases in India’s Supreme Court independently.
If you do not hold this designation, then you can still assist in fillings, but they must be filed by an AOR.
Advocates who are not AORs may still appear and argue cases before the Supreme Court. However, they can do so only in association with an AOR, through whom the case must be officially filed and managed.
How to Become a Supreme Court Lawyer in India?
The following points explore how to become a lawyer in Supreme Court if you are interested to know how these individuals deliver justice with fairness and transparency.
Step 1: Meet the Educational Eligibility to Become a Supreme Court Lawyer in India
The first step on how to become a Supreme Court Lawyer in India is to pass 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 45% marks.
You can apply for a 5-year integrated law programme, such as:
The admission is typically based on entrance exams like Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) or University Entrance Test (UET).
If you choose a different undergraduate course, you can pursue a three-year LLB degree later to qualify for a career in law.
The Master of Laws (LLM) is an optional degree that will help you specialize in specific areas of law. You must follow the admission and application process as per the course and college requirements.
Step 2: Enrol in a Law College and Get Hands-on Experience
During the law programme, students are encouraged to undertake internships with litigation chambers, advocates, law firms, legal organisations, or courts. These internships help understand court procedures, legal drafting, case research, and litigation practices while also providing exposure to courtroom proceedings and professional legal work.
Step 3: Register with the Bar Council of India
After completing your law degree, you must register with the State Bar Council to become eligible to practice law.
Under the provisions of the Advocates Act, 1961, registration with any State Bar Council is a prerequisite for obtaining the licence to practice in any court of India.
After the registration is completed, you can become an advocate and practice in courts across India.
Step 4: Clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
The next important step in how to become a lawyer in Supreme Court is to clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by the BCI. On successful completion of the AIBE, you will get a Certificate of Practice to practice in courts across the country.
Step 5: Work as a Junior Under a Supreme Court Advocate
Many advocates at the Supreme Court begin their practice with an experienced Supreme Court advocate. This is an effective method of helping advocates understand the process of drafting, research and presentation of cases, court procedures and norms of conduct in the Supreme Court.
Step 6: Practice in Subordinate Courts
Another crucial aspect of how to become advocate in Supreme Court is to get experience in high courts or subordinate courts. By doing so, you will become familiar with litigation skills and courtroom procedures.
Step 7: Complete the Requirements for AOR Exam
The Advocate-on-Record (AOR) Examination is conducted by the Supreme Court of India for advocates who want to file and act independently in the Supreme Court.
To appear for the AOR exam, you must complete at least four years of legal practice and undergo one year of training under an approved Advocate-on-Record.
This training helps you understand Supreme Court procedures, filing practices, drafting requirements, and court formalities.
Step 8: Pass the Advocate-on-Record (AOR) Examination
The AOR Examination evaluates an advocate’s knowledge of Supreme Court rules, legal drafting, professional ethics, and procedural practices.
It is important that you qualify this exam because only an AOR is authorized to file and act independently before the Supreme Court.
Step 9: Fulfil the Professional Requirements
After passing the AOR Examination, advocates must complete certain professional requirements prescribed by the Supreme Court.
These requirements generally include maintaining an office within the prescribed distance from the Supreme Court premises and appointing a registered clerk in accordance with court rules.
Skills Required to Become a Supreme Court Advocate in India
Supreme Court cases frequently set precedents in the entire nation. Hence, it is essential to know how to become Supreme Court advocate in India with legal knowledge, analytical ability and knowledge of judicial precedents.
The table below discusses the important skills needed to understand how to become advocate in Supreme Court in India:
| Technical Skills |
Soft Skills |
| Strong knowledge of Constitutional Law: To understand fundamental rights, constitutional provisions, and matters frequently handled by the Supreme Court. |
Communication skills: To explain legal arguments and complex legal issues clearly before judges, clients, and colleagues. |
| Legal research and precedent analysis: To study case laws, landmark judgments, and judicial precedents effectively. |
Critical thinking: To analyse legal issues from multiple perspectives and build well-reasoned arguments. |
| Appellate drafting skills: To prepare writ petitions, appeals, special leave petitions (SLPs), affidavits, and other legal documents accurately. |
Confidence and courtroom presence: To present arguments professionally and maintain composure during proceedings. |
| Understanding of Supreme Court procedures: To follow filing rules, procedural requirements, and court formalities correctly. |
Attention to detail: To identify procedural, factual, and legal details relevant to a case. |
| Knowledge of legal strategy and litigation techniques: To structure arguments, interpret precedents, and develop effective case strategies. |
Analytical ability: To evaluate judgments, legal provisions, and opposing arguments logically. |
| Argumentation and advocacy skills: To present persuasive legal submissions during hearings and appellate proceedings. |
Professional ethics and client handling: To maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and responsible legal conduct. |
Key Takeaways
To qualify as a Supreme Court lawyer in India, you must be extremely committed, knowledgeable, and have gained years of experience in this field.
Hence, knowing how to become Supreme Court advocate in India is extremely crucial to develop knowledge and experience to practice in India's apex court.
If you are passionate about a career that involves dealing with justice, constitutional law, and litigation, a law course can be the first step toward a rewarding legal career.
Explore the relevant courses at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). Apply now!
FAQs
Q1: Can I become a Supreme Court lawyer after an LLB?
A1: Yes. You can become a Supreme Court lawyer after completing an LL.B. degree and registering with the Bar Council of India. However, gaining litigation experience and clearing the Advocate-on-Record (AOR) exam is important for independent practice in the Supreme Court.
Q2: How much do Supreme Court lawyers earn?
A2: The average salary of a Supreme Court lawyer ranges between INR 19.1lakhs, mostly ranging from INR 15 LPA to 46.2 LPA.
Q3: Can any lawyer go to the Supreme Court?
A3: Yes. Any registered advocate in India can appear and argue cases in the Supreme Court. However, cases can only be officially filed and managed through an Advocate-on-Record (AOR), who is authorised to act and file independently before the Supreme Court.
Q4: What are the duties of Supreme Court lawyers?
A4: Supreme Court lawyers represent clients in legal matters, prepare case documents, conduct legal research, and present arguments before the court. They also advise clients on constitutional and legal issues.
Q5: What is AOR?
A5: AOR stands for Advocate-on-Record, a special designation given to advocates qualified to file and conduct cases independently in the Supreme Court of India.
