Alt: Benefits of becoming an Advocate On Record

Many BA LLB students at SMS Law College aspire to become Supreme Court lawyers one day. To fulfil their dreams, they need to clear the Supreme Court AOR exam and become an Advocate On Record.

This article will serve as your guide to understanding the benefits of becoming an Advocate on Record and what it might mean for you.

Quick Overview of How to Become an Advocate On Record

Alt: How to become a Supreme Court AOR?

1. Meet the Basic Requirements: BA LLB students should Check the Supreme Court Rules, 2013 specifically Rule 5 of Order IV for the latest qualifications and requirements. These are like the official rulebook for becoming an AOR.

2. Gain Experience: You need a minimum of 4 years of experience working in the legal field before applying for the Supreme Court AOR exam.

3. Complete AOR Training: Once you have the legal experience, you must undergo a one-year training program under a qualified Advocate on Record or a court-approved representative of an AOR. This training will give you practical experience in the Supreme Court environment.

4. Pass the AOR Exam: The AOR exam is challenging and highly competitive! You need to score at least 60% overall (240 marks out of 400) and get at least 50% in each individual subject like drafting legal documents, court procedures, important legal cases, and professional ethics.

5. Set Up Your AOR Office: After passing the exam, you’ll need to establish your own office within 16 km of the Supreme Court in Delhi. This is your official base for working as an AOR.

6. Hire a Registered Clerk: Within one month of registering as an AOR, you must appoint a clerk who is officially registered with the Supreme Court. This clerk will assist you with various administrative tasks.

7. Receive Your Unique ID: Once you have your office, clerk, and registration is complete, the Supreme Court will issue you a unique identification number. This number will be used on all legal documents you submit to the court.

Once you are done with all these steps and fulfil all the requirements, you’ll become a certified Supreme Court AOR. 

What do Advocates On Record do?

Alt: What Advocates On Record do

BA LLB students can set their sights on becoming an Advocate on Record (AOR) one day and build a rewarding career at the heart of the highest court in India. It requires a few additional qualifications but if you do it right, the benefits of becoming an Advocate On Record far outweigh the efforts you put in.

But what does a Supreme Court AOR do? He or she plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the apex court and upholding the rights of their clients. Some of the main duties of an Advocate On Record are:

• Exclusively represent clients in the Supreme Court and file legal documents on their behalf. They can hire regular advocates to argue cases on their behalf though.
• They draft various legal documents, including petitions, appeals, and writs; handle all court formalities ensuring adherence to Supreme Court rules and regulations; and present legal arguments and advocate for their clients during hearings.
• Extensive research and case preparation are crucial aspects of an AOR’s work along with maintaining regular communication with clients and providing them with legal advice and case updates.
• Advocates on Record often work alongside senior advocates who lead court arguments. They also do case management, which involves tracking deadlines, filing requirements, and ensuring timely completion of procedural steps.
• And do not forget, AORs need to keep abreast of legal changes to effectively address client issues.

BA LLB students want to become Supreme Court AORs as it guarantees significant professional growth. It is considered one of the highly respected law careers within the Indian judiciary and signifies that they have a high level of legal knowledge and courtroom experience. Being an AOR can help lawyers attract a diverse and potentially high-profile clientele.

Let us discuss it in greater detail.

What are the key benefits of becoming an Advocate on Record (AOR)?

Alt: Why BA LLB students should aspire to become Advocates on Record

Cracking the Supreme Court AOR exam is quite challenging. If you succeed in becoming an Advocate on Record, it signifies that you are knowledgeable, dedicated, and do hard work. You can exclusively practise in the Supreme Court which increases your earning potential considerably.

Typically, a Supreme Court AOR charges higher fees than the lawyers who practise in lower courts. And it’s an elite title among the lawyers and has much prestige attached to it.

The benefits of becoming an Advocate On Record go beyond money and fame. The 

Supreme Court of India provides a national jurisdiction. It means that its AORs handle all the assorted lawsuits from across India that have huge national implications. An Advocate On Record handles all types of cases – criminal cases, civil cases, public interest litigations, or even constitutional matters. 

That’s why AORs are always in demand. Some of the most esteemed law firms hire them for litigation matters in the SC and they get multiple opportunities that challenge them and help them grow in their profession.

The Supreme Court Bar Association provides exclusive facilities and resources to Advocates On Record, including access to its vast library. Supreme Court AORs also play a very significant role in the development of the Indian legal system, the refinement of legal precedents, and the evolution of Indian law.

How much a Supreme Court AOR can expect to earn?

Alt: Earning potential of a Supreme Court AOR

While the Supreme Court has prescribed a set of fees for filling the cases in the Supreme Court of India under Rules 2013, the reality is quite different. The rules state that AORs can charge between INR 5,000 to 25,000 to make drafts and appear before the apex court. 

However, in practice, AORs usually charge at least INR 15,000 to 25,000 just to sign on the vakalatnama or to file a single petition. Charges for substantial drafting work are much more.

The fee increases as AORs gain experience. After 3-4 years, many of them charge almost INR 75,000 to 1,00,000 for complex cases or even INR 2,00,000 for more complex petitions. Hearing charges are extra. Beginners might charge INR 15,000 per hearing while senior advocates can charge up to INR 1,00,000 for each hearing. 

Advocates on Record also charge for conferences with clients or meeting senior advocates. An AOR can easily earn INR 20,00,000 per annum from the Supreme Court work even if they are not based in Delhi.

Conclusion

Now that you know the benefits of becoming an Advocate On Record, we advise aspiring BA LLB students to start preparing for the exam today. Contact your professors to know more.