LI Network
Published on: 21 July 2023 at 21:55 IST
The Committee for Designation of Senior Advocates has announced that Supreme Court lawyers seeking the coveted senior gown designation can now submit reported judgments older than five years as part of their application. This decision aims to offer more opportunities for seasoned lawyers to be recognized for their legal expertise and contributions to the legal profession.
The Committee’s decision comes as a welcome change for advocates who have been practicing law diligently and contributing to the development of jurisprudence over the years. Earlier, the eligibility criteria for applying for the senior advocate designation required the submission of reported judgments from the past five years, which sometimes limited the chances of many deserving candidates.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the Committee highlighted that legal excellence and impactful contributions to the field of law may not always be confined to a specific time frame. Many seasoned lawyers may have been involved in landmark cases and have given significant legal opinions beyond the five-year window.
“We recognize that legal brilliance and profound contributions to the legal field may span beyond the last five years. Therefore, we have decided to amend the application requirements for the senior advocate designation,” stated a spokesperson for the Committee.
This modification is expected to offer seasoned lawyers a fairer chance at obtaining the senior gown status, which brings with it certain privileges, prestige, and recognition within the legal community. The senior advocate designation is often seen as a testament to an advocate’s exceptional legal acumen and dedication to the practice of law.
However, the Committee emphasized that the applicants’ reported judgments, regardless of their age, should hold substantial legal significance and demonstrate the applicant’s contribution to evolving legal principles and precedents. The decision is aimed at ensuring that the senior advocate designation is conferred on individuals with a proven track record of making substantial contributions to the legal field.