Introduction
So you want to be a lawyer? It’s a big decision, and not one to be taken lightly. But if you’re up for the challenge, then read on to find out how you can become a lawyer in Pakistan. We’ll take you through the steps of what you need to do to get started, from getting a law degree to passing the bar exam. We’ll also give you some insider tips on what it’s really like to be a lawyer in Pakistan. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, read on for everything you need to know about becoming a lawyer in Pakistan.
Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria
A law degree from a Pakistani university is the primary qualification required to become a lawyer in Pakistan. However, depending on the province in which you wish to practise, additional qualifications may be required. For example, in Sindh province, one must also pass the Sindh Bar Council examination. Once you have completed your law degree and any additional requirements, you will need to be enrolled as a barrister with a provincial bar council in order to practise law in Pakistan.
Admission Process
In order to become a lawyer in Pakistan, you must follow a few steps. The first step is to obtain a law degree from an accredited law school. Once you have your law degree, you must pass the bar exam in order to be licensed to practice law. After passing the bar exam, you must complete a period of internship under the supervision of a practicing lawyer.
Law Schools in Pakistan
There are many law schools in Pakistan that offer a variety of programs to choose from.
The most popular type of program is the four-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, which is offered at many universities across the country.
Other popular programs include the three-year Juris Doctor (JD) degree, and the Master of Laws (LLM) degree.
Most law schools in Pakistan require students to take an entrance examination before they can be admitted into their programs.
Once you have been admitted into a law school, you will be required to complete a certain number of courses and achieve good grades in order to graduate.
Internship
In Pakistan, the route to becoming a lawyer is not as straightforward as it is in some other countries. There are no law schools as such, and therefore no formal qualifications or exams that you need to take in order to become a lawyer.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to become a lawyer in Pakistan. There are certain steps that you will need to take in order to be eligible to practice law in the country.
The first step is to obtain a degree in law from an accredited institution. This can be done either by completing a three-year LLB degree program at a university, or by completing a two-year postgraduate diploma in law from a college of education.
Once you have obtained your degree or diploma, you will then need to complete an internship with a practicing lawyer or firm. This is an important step, as it will give you hands-on experience of working in the legal profession.
After completing your internship, you will then need to pass the examination set by the Pakistan Bar Council. Once you have passed this examination, you will be eligible for entry into the Pakistani legal profession.
The Bar Exam
The Pakistani bar exam is conducted by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and is a compulsory examination for individuals seeking to be admitted as an advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan or any other court in Pakistan. The examination consists of two papers, Paper-I and Paper-II, each three hours long.
Paper-I covers three subjects which are:
• Constitution of Pakistan
• Muhammadan Law
Paper-II covers three subjects which are:
• Code of Criminal Procedure
Penal Code
• Evidence Act
Individuals seeking to take the bar exam must have a law degree from a Pakistani university recognized by the PBC, or have qualified as an advocate from another common law jurisdiction.
What to Expect After Graduation?
After graduation, you can expect to work as a lawyer in Pakistan. You will be responsible for representing clients in court and handling legal cases. You may also work as a legal advisor to businesses and individuals.
Job Opportunities for Pakistani Lawyers
There are a number of organisations in Pakistan which provide legal services and hence, there is a demand for lawyers. However, the competition to get into these organisations is high and one needs to have good grades and legal skills to be selected. The top law firms in Pakistan usually hire from the top law schools in the country.
There are many opportunities for Pakistani lawyers both in the public and private sector. In the public sector, there are jobs available with different government departments and agencies while in the private sector, Pakistani lawyers can find work with different law firms or as solo practitioners.
The pay scale for Pakistani lawyers varies depending on their experience and expertise. Starting salaries for fresh graduates can range from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month while experienced lawyers can earn up to Rs. 1 lakh per month.
Conclusion
Becoming a lawyer in Pakistan is not an easy task, but it is one that is well worth the effort. With hard work and dedication, you can become a respected member of the legal profession in Pakistan. We hope that this guide has given you all the information you need to get started on your path to becoming a lawyer in Pakistan.
