Career Path

How to Become an Advocate in Pakistan (Complete Guide – Karachi Focus)

If you’re passionate about law and dream of becoming an advocate in Pakistan, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from starting law school to practicing in court. This guide is especially designed for those planning to practice in Karachi and Sindh.

🎓 Step 1: Complete Your Law Degree (LLB)

To become an advocate, you must hold a valid LLB degree from a recognized university.

Options for LLB in Pakistan:

• 5-Year LLB (Hons.) – After intermediate (FA/FSc/A-Levels)
• 3-Year LLB – Only for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc) (less common now; phased out in many places)

Important Points:

• Your degree must be from a university recognized by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
• Foreign LLB (e.g., University of London) graduates must pass equivalence and recognition requirements via the HEC and PBC.

---

🧾 Step 2: Pass the Law Admission Test (LAT)

Before enrolling in the LLB program (5-year), you must pass the LAT conducted by HEC.

• LAT is mandatory under Supreme Court directives.
• It includes MCQs and essay-type questions in English, Urdu, General Knowledge, and more.
• Valid for 2 years.

👉 Tip: Keep checking the HEC official website or JurislawKarachi.com for LAT announcements.

---

📚 Step 3: Complete Your LLB Degree

• Attend all semesters as per your university’s requirements.
• Maintain a good academic record.
• Complete internships during or after your degree (not mandatory, but highly recommended).
• Make sure to clear all supplementary exams (if any).

---

📝 Step 4: Pass the Law Graduate Assessment Test (LAW GAT)

After completing LLB, you must pass the LAW GAT exam, conducted by HEC.

LAW GAT Requirements:

• LLB degree (completed and verified)
• Online registration on the HEC portal
• Pay the required fee and upload documents
• Test is MCQ-based and includes subjects like:
  • Constitution
  • Jurisprudence
  • Civil & Criminal Law
  • Professional Ethics

👉 You must score at least 50% to pass.

---

🛂 Step 5: Get Your Documents Verified

Once you’ve passed the LAW GAT, your documents must be verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the University Examination Department.

Documents include:

• LLB degree and transcripts
• CNIC
• Domicile
• Photographs
• LAW GAT result card
• Affidavit(s) as required

---

⚖️ Step 6: Apply for Apprentice/Internship with a Senior Advocate

Before you can be enrolled as an advocate, you must complete 6 months of apprenticeship under a licensed senior advocate (with at least 10 years of standing).

• Select a senior advocate who is registered with the Sindh Bar Council.
• Get an affidavit of acceptance from your senior (on stamp paper).
• Complete your 6-month pupilage diligently — attend court, observe proceedings, learn drafting, and assist in case prep.

---

📥 Step 7: Apply for Bar Council Enrollment (Sindh)

After completing your internship:

Required Documents for Enrollment:

• Enrollment application form (Sindh Bar Council)
• Verified LLB degree & mark sheets
• LAW GAT result
• CNIC & Domicile copies
• Passport-sized photographs
• Senior’s certificate/affidavit confirming 6-month apprenticeship
• Character certificate(s)
• Bank challan / fee payment slip

👉 Submit the form to Sindh Bar Council, Karachi office.

---

📅 Step 8: Appear for Viva / Interview

After your documents are reviewed, you will be called for a viva (oral interview) conducted by the Enrollment Committee of the Sindh Bar Council.

• Questions may relate to:
  • Basic law subjects
  • Professional ethics
  • Court procedure
  • Constitution of Pakistan

👉 Dress formally and answer confidently.

---

🎓 Step 9: Receive Advocate License

Once you clear the interview, you will:

• Be officially enrolled as an Advocate of Lower Courts.
• Receive your license (Sanad) to practice law in Pakistan.
• Take an oath before the Enrollment Committee or a Judge.

---

🏛️ Step 10: Register with Bar Association (Karachi)

After receiving your license, you must register with a local Bar Association, such as:

• Karachi Bar Association
• Malir Bar Association
• City Courts Bar, etc.

👉 This is essential to get access to the court premises, library, and bar facilities.

---