Advocate vs Barrister – Key Differences Explained
Introduction
Many students get confused between the terms advocate, lawyer, and barrister. Here’s a simple explanation to help you understand the difference.
Advocate
- A person licensed by the Pakistan Bar Council
- Can appear in court and represent clients
- Must complete LLB + Bar Council exam
Lawyer
- General term for anyone with a law degree
- May or may not have a license to practice in court
Barrister
- Lawyer who has studied and trained in the UK
- Usually holds a Bar-at-Law degree from an Inn of Court
- Can practice as an advocate after registration in Pakistan
Conclusion
All barristers are lawyers, but not all lawyers are barristers. If you want to practice in Pakistani courts, you need to become an advocate by registering with the Bar Council.