A legal career in Pakistan is a structured process that requires meeting specific educational and professional criteria. This comprehensive guide outlines the role of a lawyer the steps to become one after completing 12th grade, and the prospects for commerce students entering the legal profession.

What Is a Lawyer?

A lawyer, also called an advocate, is someone who practices law. Lawyers help people solve legal problems, represent them in courts, and advise on legal matters. In Pakistan, lawyers work in many areas like family law, criminal law, corporate law, and intellectual property law.

How to Become a Lawyer in Pakistan

The journey to becoming a lawyer in Pakistan involves several key steps:

Who Can Apply?

A person is eligible for enrolment as an advocate if he/she is:

• A citizen of  Pakistan, an Azad Jammu & Kashmir national, or a foreign national who has lived in Pakistan for at least one year.
• Of at least 21 years old.
• Have either:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in any subject plus a degree in law (LL.B) from a recognised university inside or outside Pakistan, or
  • Qualified Barrister. ((Section 26))

Conditions for Eligibility

To enrol as an advocate, you must:

• • Complete Six Months of Training
  • After passing the LL.B (Part-III) examination, train under a senior advocate with at least 10 years of experience.
  • Notify the Bar Council about your training.
  • Pass the Law GAT
  • The Law Graduate Assessment Test (Law GAT) is required after your LL.B degree.
  • You must score at least 50% within five attempts.

Special Cases

Some individuals are exempt from training and the viva voce (oral) examination if they:

• Have an LL.M. or Bar-at-Law degree.
• Has held a judicial office at least for four years or a post, for the like period, the duties whereof entailed interpretation or drafting of laws, or.
• Practiced law outside Pakistan for at least one year. (Rule 5.2B) 

Becoming a High Court Advocate

After gaining experience as a lawyer in the lower courts, you can apply to practice in the High Court.

Eligibility

To become a High Court advocate, you must:

• practised as an advocate in the subordinate Courts in Pakistan for a period not less than two years, or
• practised outside Pakistan as an advocate before any High Court specified on this behalf by the Pakistan Bar Council, or
• for reasons of his legal training or experience, been exempted from two years of practise in the subordinate Courts, by the Bar Council, with the previous approval of the High Court, and
• paid the enrolment fee. (for enrolment as an advocate, see application Form ‘A’ and Fee for enrolment as an advocate of High Court, see application Form for High Court enrolment).(Section 27)

Disqualification for admission/enrolment.

A person shall be disqualified from being admitted as an advocate if:-

• He/she was dismissed or removed from service of Govt: or Public Statutory Corporation or he has been convicted, on a charge involving moral turpitude unless a period of five years is elapsed from his dismissal or removal, or
• He/she has been declared a tout and such declaration has not been withdrawn.

  (Section 26(2))

Can a Commerce Student Become a Lawyer?

Yes, students from a commerce background can pursue a career in law. The eligibility criteria for LLB programs in Pakistan typically require completion of Intermediate education with at least 45% marks, regardless of the stream. This interdisciplinary approach can be advantageous, as the combination of commerce and law provides a robust foundation for careers in corporate law, taxation, and business consultancy.

FAQs

• How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer?

It takes five years to complete LL.B Degree, plus six months of training and time for the Law GAT and Bar Council enrollment process.

•  What Is the Role of the Bar Council?

The Bar Council oversees the registration, licensing, and regulation of advocates in Pakistan. They ensure lawyers meet the required standards of training and conduct.

•  Can You Practice Without a License?

No, you need to complete your training, pass the Law GAT, and register with the Bar Council to receive your license to practice law.

Conclusion

Becoming a lawyer in Pakistan is a systematic process that necessitates specific educational qualifications, professional training, and licensing. Students from various academic backgrounds, including commerce, can embark on this rewarding career by adhering to the outlined steps and fulfilling the requirements set by educational institutions and regulatory bodies. 
For more information or guidance on pursuing law, feel free to contact our law firm or explore resources from recognized institutions like the Punjab Bar Council or Higher Education Commission.