Young Lawyers' Professional Assistance Fund Proposed to Support Junior Advocates

Key facts

• The Supreme Court proposed the creation of a Young Lawyers' Professional Assistance Fund to address financial hardships faced by junior advocates and stop brain drain.
• The bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana issued notice to the Centre, all states, Union Territories, and other stakeholders seeking responses on a plea highlighting financial challenges.
• Proposed funding sources include donations from senior advocates and practising lawyers, a part of court fees collected by the judiciary, and costs imposed in judicial proceedings.
• The fund aims to provide a monthly stipend-cum-honorarium to first-generation lawyers and those from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds during the formative years of practice.
• Financial assistance is proposed for an initial three years, proportionately reduced over time, and ending after seven years, with a mechanism for beneficiaries to contribute back to the fund.