Advocate and lawyer are two terms that are used interchangeably in Bangladesh. Nonetheless, they do not mean the same thing. Any person who has studied law is a lawyer. A lawyer who can practice in the court is referred to as an advocate.
It is worth getting acquainted with the distinction when one is addressing legal assistance. This guide describes the major differences and why they are important to the legal system of Bangladesh.
Legal Advice BD is here with ‘Advocate Vs Lawyer: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?’ Keep reading!
Details about a Lawyer
In Bangladesh, any person who has acquired a law degree (LL.B or LL.M) is considered a lawyer. They are able to practice in different facets of law after graduating. They are allowed to practice in the court however, having a law degree does not enable them to do so. Careers that a lawyer may work in include the corporate world, banks, non-governmental organizations, or governmental buildings. They will be able to do drafts of contracts, present legal opinions and paperwork.
Other lawyers too represent the senior advocate in a court but they are not able to argue on his or her own behalf. To become a full-fledged advocate, a lawyer must go through further procedures such as sitting for the Bangladesh Bar Council exam and completing training under a senior advocate.. Most law school graduates remain lawyers and do not wish to be advocates in case they like non-litigative tasks.
Therefore, every advocate is a lawyer but not every lawyer is an advocate. This difference can make people understand who to go to when they need legal advice as opposed to presenting them before a court of law.
Details about an Advocate
A lawyer in Bangladesh who can work in the court is called an advocate. They have to take the exam of Bangladesh Bar Council and follow an apprenticeship under a senior advocate after completing an LL.B. After becoming a member of the Bar Council, they get a license to work in a court.
There is nothing to prevent the advocate representing clients, arguing cases and filing petitions in lower courts (such as Magistrate Courts) and higher courts (such as the High Court and the Supreme Court). As opposed to ordinary lawyers, advocates are entitled to address judges and produce evidence. They deal in criminal, civil and constitutional matters.
Most advocates are specialized in given fields, like the field of family law, in the field of corporate law or criminal defense. They need to exhibit integrity that is guided by ethical regulations of the Bar Council to be retained in license. Briefly put, an advocate is a competent lawyer who has the privileges to appear before a judge hence they play vital roles in lawsuits that involve litAdvocate Vs Lawyer: What’s the Difference and Why It Mattersigation.
Understanding the definition of an advocate and how it differs from a general lawyer will keep you informed and protected when engaging legal support.
Explaining Advocate Vs Lawyer: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?
Lawyer and advocate are the words that are mixed up in the legal system of Bangladesh. Though similar in nature, they possess different roles and competencies. Knowledge about these differences allows individuals to find the appropriate legal practitioner regarding their demands.
Who is a Lawyer?
Everybody with an accomplished level of degree in law (LL.B or LL.M) is a lawyer. Once they have graduated, they may work in many areas of law but are not able to go to court. Lawyers typically:
- Give legal representation to corporate and personal clients
- Contract, agreement and legal documents drafts
- Be hired as legal representatives of banks, companies or non-governmental organizations
- Help in case preparation and law research
- Carry out out-of-court settlements and negotiations
Many lawyers pursue long-term careers in these areas. For business owners and startups, these professionals are especially crucial for preventing issues like the ones discussed in common legal issues for businesses in Bangladesh.
Who is an Advocate?
A qualified lawyer with proper training to work in court is called an advocate. In order to become an advocate in Bangladesh one has to:
- Finish their LL.B degree
- Pass the western bar standard exam
- Perform an apprenticeship of one year with an elderly advocate
- Become a member of the Bar Council
The advocates enjoy privileges:
- They are free to represent the clients in any court
- Submit suits and plead in courtrooms
- Cross-examine and come up with evidence
- Become a specialist in such areas as criminal or family law
Once certified, advocates can represent clients in court, cross-examine witnesses, and provide litigation services.
If someone needs help with filing a writ petition in Bangladesh, hiring an advocate is essential.
Main Differences
Appearance in court: Advocates are the only ones allowed to argue cases in the court.
Qualifications: The advocates take extra training and exams.
Domain of Work: Lawyers deal with paper work. Advocates deal with litigation.
Registration: The advocates ought to be registered with the Bar Council
Moreover, civil matters often involve experts like a civil litigation lawyer, while advocates may also take part in socially impactful cases such as public interest litigation in Bangladesh.
Why It Matters
When it comes to selecting the professional, it is important:
- To prepare document or seek legal advice: See a lawyer
- In a court case or litigation: Take an advocate
- When it comes to corporate issues: Either might apply according to the needs
Problems may arise by the use of the wrong professional. As an example, a lawyer will not be able to present your case in court. Likewise, bringing on board an advocate to give basic legal advice could be too costly.
For instance, if you’re involved in a litigation, you’d need someone with courtroom experience — a litigation lawyer in Bangladesh.
Final Advice
- Screening credentials is key when hiring
- Enquire whether they are Bar-enrolled to practice in the court room
- Inquire on their experience on related legal fields
- Know their charges and their services \
Also, if you’re trying to hire from among the top law firms in Bangladesh, knowing these distinctions helps you better assess whom to consult.
Conclusion
It is important to know the distinction between an advocate and a lawyer in Bangladesh. Not every lawyer can represent a case in the court, yet all the supporters are lawyers. By employing an effective legal professional, an individual will receive adequate counsel.
Whether in business, family or a case of criminal matter you always need to know who to go to and this saves time and energy. Before asking a legal expert to assist, check his or her qualification. This is a little thing which can go a long way in your case.
Hopefully, you understood everything about Advocate Vs Lawyer: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?