When an advocate is counted as

senior, superior to the rest

What is a senior advocate?
'Senior advocate' is a designation that can be conferred on lawyers in the Supreme Court
or high courts. It is a recognition of their superior ability and their standing at the bar.
How are senior advocates designated?
The Advocates Act, 1961, empowers the Supreme Court and high courts to designate
lawyers senior advocates. Different courts have evolved different criteria. In the Supreme
Court, a lawyer should have been practising for at least 10 years and his or her name is
also expected to be recommended by a minimum of five sitting judges. In some high
courts, the minimum number of judges for recommendation of a candidate is two and
the designation also requires a lawyer to have a minimum number of courtroom
appearances. Some high courts also prescribe a minimum income.
How are applications scrutinised?
On a recommendation, the application of a lawyer is placed before the full court of the
Supreme Court or the high court. In the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice may exercise
his discretionary power in exceptional cases, but the status is usually granted by the full
court unanimously.
How are senior advocates identified in courts?
A designated senior counsel is identified by his black gown that has a rectangular flap
attached to the shoulders.
What are perks for being designated as a senior advocate?
Officially, there are no specific advantages of the status. As a matter of fact, while they
argue cases in court, they do not file vakalatnamas or draft petitions. However, the status
is reflected by the respect and recognition such lawyers get at the bar and from the
bench. They, more often than not, also get higher fees than other advocates.