Supreme Court Confers Senior Advocate Designation on 56 Lawyers, including 11 Women and 34 First-Generation Lawyers
NEW DELHI – In a historic move, the Supreme Court of India has designated 56 distinguished lawyers as senior advocates, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity within the legal profession. The selection process, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, took into account factors such as years of experience, reported judgments, academic contributions, and pro-bono work. Among the newly designated senior advocates are 11 women, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the field of law.
The committee responsible for designating senior advocates, known as the committee for designation of senior advocates (CDSA), received over 280 applications for consideration. After a rigorous selection process, which included interviews with 199 shortlisted candidates, the final list of 56 lawyers was unveiled. It is worth noting that 34 of these lawyers are first-generation practitioners, with the aim of promoting equal opportunities for those without traditional access to the legal corridors of power.
The inclusion of domain experts was another key focus of the selection committee. Lawyers with specialized knowledge in various areas of law, such as tax laws, telecom litigation, and electricity matters, were granted the prestigious designation. Their expertise will contribute to a diverse pool of senior advocates who can provide valuable insights and guidance in specific legal domains.
We wanted to ensure a diversified allotment of the senior advocate gown, and this has been central to our selection process, stated a committee member. The committee also prioritized pro-bono work, recognizing the invaluable contributions of advocates who have assisted the court on a voluntary basis. This acknowledgment led to the inclusion of advocates who have served as amicus curiae and volunteered their legal expertise to various cases.
The recognition of six lawyers who are under the age of 45 exemplifies the committee’s flexibility in applying the minimum age requirement for designation. These young advocates have demonstrated exceptional competence and merit, earning their rightful place alongside their more experienced peers.
The senior advocate designation is a prestigious honor bestowed on outstanding legal practitioners who have made significant contributions to the development of law and advocacy. Section 16 of the Advocates Act empowers the constitutional courts to designate lawyers as senior advocates based on their ability, standing at the Bar, or specialized knowledge and experience in law. The Act also grants senior advocates the right of pre-audience over other lawyers, with their respective seniority determining the order.
With this year’s appointments, the Supreme Court demonstrates its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and recognizing the exceptional talent that exists within the legal profession. The increased representation of women and first-generation lawyers sends a powerful message about the evolving landscape of the legal profession in India. The newly designated senior advocates will undoubtedly contribute to the pursuit of justice and the development of law in the country.
In line with the tradition of bestowing the title of senior counsel, senior advocate, or King’s counsel on distinguished lawyers, this recognition symbolizes the exceptional competence and contribution of these legal professionals within the Commonwealth. Their expertise and commitment to the rule of law are vital ingredients in upholding justice and ensuring access to legal representation.
Through this initiative, the Supreme Court aims to inspire aspiring lawyers, especially women and those from marginalized backgrounds, to pursue a career in law and thrive in an inclusive environment. The recognition of their talent and dedication serves as a catalyst for progress and brings us closer to a more just and equitable society.
Note: The information in this article is based on the announcement made by the Supreme Court of India. Further details about the selection process are not publicly available.
