What is the Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate?

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a courtroom drama (real or Netflix) and thought, "Wait, aren’t lawyers and advocates the same thing?" Well, spoiler alert: they’re not! Though we often find people using these two terms interchangeably, the difference is significant!

In simple terms: Every advocate is a lawyer, but not every lawyer is an advocate. Want to know why? Let’s break it down.

Let’s begin with definitions.

• A Lawyer is a person with a law degree like B.A. LL.B. or BB.A. LL.B., and eligible to give advice but not represent a client in a court of law unless he is registered with the Bar Council of a state.

• An Advocate on the other hand has cleared the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), is registered with the Bar Council of a state and represents a client in a court of law. The term "lawyer" refers to anyone in the legal profession, including solicitors, barristers, and attorneys. An advocate is a professional who specializes in representing clients in legal procedures.

So, in the context of advocate vs lawyer, the difference lies in their scope of legal practice. While both belong to the legal profession, their roles differ depending on whether or not they can represent someone in a courtroom.

Still wondering what is an advocate or is lawyer and advocate same? Let’s go deeper.

Responsibilities: Lawyer and Advocate Difference

Lawyer Responsibilities:

• Attend Trials and Hearings in the Court (if registered as an advocate)
• Work in close collaboration with the police and the investigators
• Conduct a case review and give legal advice to clients
• Book the calendar for interviews, assessments, and meetings with clients
• Conduct research and accumulate legal evidence in favour of client
• Educate clients on their Constitutional rights

Advocate Responsibilities:

• Represent the Client in the Court of Law
• Help the police and the investigators in preparing well before standing in front of the court
• Send notifications to authorities in case of any complaint against court officials
• Conduct thorough legal research concerning the case
• Observe court etiquette and good conduct
• Provide the court with the necessary evidence to reach a conclusion in a legal situation

When comparing advocate vs lawyer who is more powerful, the advocate clearly takes on more courtroom responsibilities.

Scope of Practice: Advocate or Lawyer Difference

Lawyers are qualified to provide legal advice to individuals and organizations, including companies, colleges, and universities. In addition to offering guidance, they draft essential documents needed for legal processes. However, they are not permitted to practice in a court of law unless they meet specific requirements. Advocates, on the other hand, specialize in representing and advocating for their clients in court. Lawyers can also practice in court if they enrol with a state bar council. To do so, they must first register and then pass the All-India Bar Exam (AIBE), which qualifies them to represent and defend clients in court.

So, in advocate and lawyer difference, the right to audience in court is a major distinction.

Specialisations in Law

Whether you're a lawyer or an advocate, you can choose to specialise in specific fields:

• Criminal Law
• Corporate Law
• Intellectual Property
• Family Law
• Taxation
• Labour & Employment
• Environmental Law
• Real Estate
• Personal Injury
• Constitutional Law
• Immigration Law

A clear lawyer vs advocate difference does not exist here—they can both specialise, but only advocates can represent those specialisations in court.

Experience: Who Is More Powerful – Lawyer or Advocate?

The term attorney is more commonly used in countries like the U.S., while advocate is widely used in India. While both represent clients in court, an attorney may have broader powers, including notarizing or acting on behalf of clients in legal matters. This creates a subtle but noteworthy difference in the attorney vs advocate comparison.

Earnings: Who Earns More – Lawyer or Advocate?

Both lawyers and advocates typically start their careers with salaries around ₹1–2 lakh per annum. As they gain experience:

• Lawyers in corporate roles or consulting may earn ₹5–10 LPA.
• Advocates, especially those taking on high-profile or complex cases, may earn ₹7–8 LPA, and senior advocates or trial lawyers can command ₹2.5–5+ lakh per month depending on reputation and client base.

So, if you're curious who earns more lawyer or advocate, the answer depends on career path and specialization, but experienced advocates often have the edge.

Comparison Table: Advocate vs Lawyer

Our counsellors are just a click away.

Call Me

Conclusion

Whether you want to become a lawyer or advocate, it all begins with a law degree. The decision depends on your interests—do you want to consult and advise, or stand in court and argue cases?

UPES, Dehradun offers industry-ready programs like B.B.A. LL.B. and B.A. LL.B., giving you the freedom to pursue either career. With excellent academic infrastructure, legal research exposure, and moot court training, you can shape your legal career exactly the way you want.

So, now that you know what is the difference between lawyer and advocate, explore your options, align them with your goals, and start your journey in law today.

FAQs on Advocate and Lawyer Difference

1. Q. What is the difference between lawyer and advocate?
   A lawyer is anyone with a law degree, while an advocate is a lawyer who is qualified to represent clients in court after registering with a State Bar Council.

2. Q. Is lawyer and advocate same?
   No, not exactly. Every advocate is a lawyer, but not all lawyers are advocates.

3. Q. Advocate vs lawyer – who is more powerful?
   Advocates typically have more power in legal proceedings because they can argue cases in court, whereas lawyers without bar registration cannot.

4. Q. Who earns more – lawyer or advocate?
   While both may start with similar salaries, advocates tend to earn more in the long run, especially if they take on high-profile litigation or become senior advocates.

5. Q. What is an advocate?
   An advocate is a legal professional who is authorized to represent clients in court after clearing the AIBE and enrolling with a Bar Council.

6. Q. Advocate vs lawyer – who should I become?
   It depends on your career goals. If you prefer courtroom litigation, become an advocate. If you want to work in legal advisory roles, corporate law, or research, being a lawyer may suit you better.

7. Q. Attorney vs advocate – what’s the difference?
   An attorney is a more generic term (used mainly in the U.S.) for someone who practices law, while "advocate" is used in the Indian context for someone who argues in court.