Introduction
The legal profession, built on the principles of justice, integrity, and mentorship, has long relied on the guidance of senior advocates to shape the next generation of lawyers. However, beneath the noble ideals lies an unsettling reality — harassment of junior advocates by their seniors. This issue, often overlooked or dismissed, is emerging as a serious challenge to the well-being and career growth of many young lawyers.
Nature of Harassment
Harassment of junior advocates can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Verbal abuse and humiliation in open court or chambers.
- Unpaid or underpaid work, despite long hours and heavy workloads.
- Gender-based harassment, including sexist remarks and inappropriate conduct.
- Exploitation under the guise of mentorship, where juniors are expected to run personal errands unrelated to legal work.
- Professional sabotage, such as denying opportunities to appear in court, take credit for work, or build independent clientele.
Reasons for Silence
Many junior advocates remain silent due to:
- Fear of retaliation or damage to their career prospects.
- Lack of formal complaint mechanisms within the Bar Associations.
- Cultural normalization of “tough training” as part of the profession.
- Economic dependency on seniors for livelihood and courtroom exposure.
- Impact on Junior Advocates
The consequences of such harassment are far-reaching:
- Mental health deterioration, including stress, anxiety, and burnout.
- Loss of confidence and diminished courtroom performance.
- High attrition rates, with many juniors leaving litigation altogether.
- Erosion of trust in the legal profession as a dignified career path.
Legal and Ethical Perspective
The Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India Rules lay down strict standards for professional conduct, including respect and courtesy among lawyers. Harassment by seniors not only violates these ethical codes but may also constitute offences under labour laws, anti-sexual harassment legislation, and criminal statutes depending on the nature of the conduct.
Steps Towards Reform
To address this issue effectively:
1. Bar Council Guidelines — Establish clear anti-harassment policies for all advocates.
2. Independent Complaint Committees — Similar to POSH Committees, but tailored to the legal profession.
3. Awareness and Training — Sensitisation workshops on workplace ethics and boundaries.
4. Transparent Payment Practices — Ensure junior advocates receive fair remuneration.
5. Mentorship Reform — Promote genuine skill development and professional respect.
Conclusion
Harassment of junior advocates is not just a personal grievance; it is a systemic problem that threatens the integrity of the legal profession. If the legal fraternity fails to address this issue, it risks losing talented young lawyers who could have contributed significantly to the justice system. The profession must move beyond silent acceptance and foster a culture where mentorship means guidance, not exploitation.
