Chennai, July 12, 2024 – In a significant move aimed at supporting junior advocates, the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry has issued a circular mandating a minimum stipend for junior lawyers across the state. The directive, announced on Friday, requires all bar associations to ensure compliance with the new stipend regulations.
According to the circular, advocates and Senior Advocates employing junior lawyers in major cities such as Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore must provide a monthly stipend of ₹20,000. For junior lawyers practicing in other regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the minimum stipend is set at ₹15,000.
This decision follows an order from the Madras High Court issued last month. On June 12, a Bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and C Kumarappan directed legal practitioners in the major cities to pay their junior counterparts a stipend of ₹20,000 per month. The order also stipulated that lawyers in other areas should pay a minimum of ₹15,000, taking into account the current cost of living and associated expenses.
The Bar Council’s circular further emphasizes non-discrimination in the payment of stipends, highlighting the importance of gender equality in the legal profession. “As per the Court’s order, lawyers must not discriminate on the lines of gender when paying stipends to their juniors,” the circular stated.
The High Court’s order underscored the necessity for a supportive environment within the legal profession, ensuring fair compensation for junior lawyers as they embark on their careers. The directive is expected to alleviate financial pressures on junior advocates, fostering a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape.
The Bar Council’s implementation of this order marks a crucial step towards improving the working conditions and financial stability of junior lawyers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
