Why Lawyers in Pakistan or the Subcontinent Become Independent Early in Their Careers

I recently came across a passage in The Art of a Lawyer that profoundly resonated with the state of the legal profession in Pakistan. The author observes:

"Most professions require long periods of apprenticeship before one can enter them, and it is during that period that the young apprentice learns his work, the traditions of the profession and its rules of conduct. Unfortunately, a lawyer in India, after getting the law degree and after one year's work in the chamber of a senior lawyer—and most of the senior lawyers hardly ever take any interest in their juniors—becomes a full-fledged advocate entitled to set up on his own. It may be that we believe in the trial and error method by which the lion cubs learn the technique of the hunt, but here the lesson is learnt at the cost of the third party, the client, and in the larger interest of administration of justice it should be deprecated."

Reading this made me ponder how closely this description mirrors Pakistan's legal profession and the subcontinent. The lack of structured mentorship, combined with systemic issues within law firms and the socio-economic realities of the region, leads many young lawyers to embark on independent practices much earlier than one might consider ideal. This article explores the multifaceted reasons behind this phenomenon.

1. Saturation in the Legal Market

In Pakistan, the legal market is saturated with law graduates entering the profession each year. On the contrary, the market offers limited opportunities for these young lawyers to grow within established firms. Unlike Western law firms, which often have defined career paths and hierarchies, Pakistani firms lack clear mechanisms for advancement.

This saturation pushes young lawyers to seek independence early in their careers.

2. Familial Support and Established Legal Lineages

A significant proportion of lawyers in Pakistan come from families with established legal legacies. For these individuals, starting independent practices is often less about professional necessity and more about maintaining familial traditions.

Young lawyers with access to these networks and resources find it easier to avoid prolonged struggles in law firms. Instead, they build upon the goodwill and reputation of their family names, gaining clients more quickly than their peers without such backgrounds.

3. Exploitation in Law Firms

The working conditions within law firms are a major factor driving early independence. Law firms in Pakistan often exploit young associates in various ways, including:

• Minimal Compensation: Many junior lawyers earn salaries that are insufficient to cover basic expenses, leaving them dependent on their families.
• Excessive Workload: Associates are often required to handle significant workloads with minimal guidance or acknowledgement.
• Limited Exposure: Seniors frequently delegate repetitive or administrative tasks to juniors rather than mentoring them or exposing them to substantive legal work.

Disillusioned by these challenges, young lawyers often prefer to establish their practices, where they can exercise autonomy and control over their professional lives.

4. Lack of Partner-Track Opportunities

The concept of a partner-track—a clearly defined path leading to partnership—is almost non-existent in Pakistani law firms. Senior lawyers tend to retain control of their firms without offering significant stakes or career advancements to junior lawyers.

This lack of incentive discourages long-term commitment to firms, prompting young lawyers to pursue independent practice as a more rewarding alternative.

5. Economic Privilege and Early Affordability

Many young lawyers in Pakistan come from affluent backgrounds, enabling them to bypass the financial challenges typically associated with establishing independent practices. These individuals often have access to family wealth, existing office spaces, and professional networks, allowing them to set up practices with minimal risk.

This economic privilege accelerates the shift toward independence, as financial constraints—common in other regions—are less of a deterrent for many young lawyers in Pakistan.

6. Institutional Preferences and Limited Hiring Pools

Recently, many prominent law firms in Pakistan have started prioritizing graduates from specific universities. This institutional bias restricts opportunities for graduates from less prestigious institutions, leaving many young lawyers feeling excluded from mainstream hiring processes.

For these lawyers, independence becomes a necessary alternative, where their success is determined by skill and effort rather than institutional affiliations.

7. Cultural Bias Toward Independence

In the subcontinent, cultural perceptions also play a significant role. Independence is often seen as a mark of success and maturity. Young lawyers who establish their practices early are viewed as ambitious and capable, while those working under others for extended periods may face societal pressure to "stand on their own feet."

This cultural bias reinforces the preference for early independence, making it a socially desirable choice even when other options are available.

8. The Role of Bar Councils and Early Court Exposure

Bar councils in Pakistan facilitate early entry into the profession by granting licenses soon after graduation. This allows young lawyers to start arguing cases in court with minimal experience. Additionally, the litigation-heavy nature of the Pakistani legal system ensures that young lawyers can quickly gain visibility, often attracting clients through their court appearances.

9. Trial-and-Error at the Client’s Expense

As highlighted in The Art of a Lawyer, this early independence often comes at the cost of the client. Without sufficient mentorship or experience, young lawyers may make errors that affect case outcomes. This issue is further exacerbated by the lack of structured apprenticeship programs in the region.

While independence fosters entrepreneurial skills, it can undermine the quality of legal representation and the broader administration of justice.

Conclusion

The trend of early independence among lawyers in Pakistan and the subcontinent is shaped by systemic challenges, socio-economic realities, and cultural norms. While it reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of young lawyers, it also highlights the inadequacies of the legal profession’s structures, particularly in mentoring and retaining talent.

To address these issues, there is an urgent need for reform. Law firms must offer fair compensation, structured career paths, and meaningful mentorship programs. Similarly, regulatory bodies and legal education institutions should collaborate to ensure that young lawyers receive adequate training before entering independent practice. By addressing these challenges, the legal profession in Pakistan can foster a culture of excellence and accountability that benefits both lawyers and clients.