Earning or Learning? What Should Be the Focus of a Junior Advocate or Intern?

 

Earning or Learning? 

What Should Be the Focus of a Junior Advocate or Intern?

Author

Sidhant Malik, Advocate

Supreme Court of India

Mob: +91 7011490440

"In the legal field, learning today is the surest path to earning tomorrow"

For many young law students and junior advocates, the transition from the academic world to the professional field is exciting but often confusing. One common dilemma is whether to prioritize earning or learning during the initial years of their legal careers. While the allure of a paycheck is undeniable, focusing on learning during the formative years often yields greater long-term rewards.

The Temptation to Focus on Earning

It’s natural for junior advocates or interns to feel the urge to start earning money. After all, they have spent years studying and likely invested significant time and money into their education. The thought of finally being financially independent can be enticing.

Moreover, for those who come from financially modest backgrounds or have student loans, the pressure to earn might feel even more urgent. They may be inclined to take up jobs that offer immediate financial returns, sometimes at the cost of gaining meaningful legal experience. However, this short-term focus on earning can lead to professional stagnation, particularly if one joins firms or takes up work that doesn't challenge them or help them develop key legal skill's.

Why Learning Should Take Priority

The legal profession is one where experience, knowledge, and skills matter far more in the long term than immediate monetary gain. As a junior advocate or intern, your priority should be to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible, even if it comes with little or no financial reward at the start. Here's why:

1. Skill Development

During the early stages, junior lawyers and interns need to focus on honing their skills—researching, drafting, and understanding the nuances of the law. Working under a senior lawyer or at a reputed law firm, even if the pay is modest, allows one to observe how experienced advocates approach cases, prepare for trials, or advise clients. The quality of mentorship and hands-on experience you gain in these roles is far more valuable than a higher salary in a less demanding job.

Example: Imagine two young advocates. One chooses to work with a small firm that pays well but mainly handles routine documentation work. The other joins a litigation-heavy firm that pays less but exposes them to complex cases and court procedures. In five years, the second advocate will have far more legal expertise and professional growth, making them more valuable in the long run.

2. Building a Reputation

In the legal field, your reputation is your greatest asset. Early in your career, the goal should be to build a solid foundation by delivering high-quality work, learning from experienced lawyers, and understanding the ethical aspects of legal practice. This reputation is what will attract clients and job offers in the future.

Example: If a junior advocate focuses on learning under a reputed senior lawyer, they will likely get opportunities to argue in court, write briefs, and interact with clients. The visibility they gain through such exposure helps build their standing in the legal community.

3. Networking and Mentorship

As a junior advocate or intern, you should prioritize forming relationships with senior advocates, judges, and other professionals in the field. These connections are invaluable for learning the unwritten rules of the profession and can open doors to future opportunities. Often, well-established legal professionals are more willing to mentor those who are eager to learn, even if they are not financially compensating them at a high level.

Example: Working as an unpaid or minimally paid intern with a respected senior advocate can offer exposure to high-profile cases. The lessons learned and relationships formed in such settings can later translate into high-earning opportunities or independent practice.

4. Learning the Business of Law

Law isn't just about legal knowledge; it’s also about learning the business side of it—how to run a law firm, attract clients, or manage case loads. Interning at a law firm or working under an experienced lawyer gives insight into how successful legal practices are managed. Understanding client dynamics, billing processes, and marketing strategies can set you up for future success when you start your own practice.

5. The Long-Term Payoff

Learning now translates into higher earnings later. Junior lawyers who invest time in building expertise and experience tend to attract better clients, command higher fees, and find themselves in positions to take on high-stakes cases. As you become more skilled, clients will be willing to pay more for your services.

Example: A lawyer who spent the first few years focusing on learning complex areas of law like corporate litigation or intellectual property rights will be in high demand compared to someone who chose the comfort of a better salary in a less challenging legal field. Expertise and specialization almost always translate to higher earning potential in the legal profession.

Striking a Balance

This is not to say that earning is entirely unimportant. It’s reasonable to seek financial stability and aim for a balance between learning and earning. However, it’s essential that juniors not prioritize financial compensation over opportunities that offer deep learning experiences. Some law firms or senior advocates do offer stipends or modest salaries, and these can be sufficient to cover basic expenses while you focus on gaining valuable skills.

One approach is to allocate time for pro bono or low-paid work that enhances your learning, while taking on side jobs or projects that help you earn some income. As long as the emphasis remains on learning, this can be a good way to meet financial needs without sacrificing professional growth.

Conclusion

For junior advocates and law interns, the early years should be viewed as an investment in long-term success. While the temptation to focus on earning might be strong, it is critical to recognize that the legal profession rewards experience, skill, and reputation far more than early financial gains. By focusing on learning, skill-building, and networking in the formative years, young lawyers set themselves up for sustainable and rewarding careers, both financially and professionally.