ENROLMENT AS AN ADVOCATE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF PAKISTAN
If you are a legal professional seeking enrollment as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, you must follow the prescribed procedure and submit all required documents in accordance with the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) guidelines. The Supreme Court enrollment process includes eligibility verification, documentation, scrutiny, and two stages of interview.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for enrollment, the applicant must:
- Be an Advocate of the High Court with at least seven (07) years of active practice, or be a Judge of a High Court.
- Be a citizen of Pakistan.
- Hold a recognized law degree.
Required Documentation
A complete application must include:
1. Application Form
Duly filled and signed.
2. Photographs
Two passport-size photographs attested by the President/Secretary of the Bar Association or a Member of a Bar Council.
3. Fitness Certificate (High Court)
A fresh, original certificate from the High Court confirming that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be enrolled as an Advocate of the Supreme Court.
- If there is a gap between issuance and submission, reasons must be explained through a duly attested affidavit.
- The Enrollment Committee may impose a penalty of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 if the explanation is unsatisfactory.
- If the delay exceeds one year, the certificate must be revalidated.
4. Affidavit (Rs. 50 Stamp Paper)
Stating that:
- All information in the application is true and correct.
- The applicant is eligible and not disqualified.
- No misconduct proceedings are pending or have ever been decided against the applicant.
5. Good Character Certificate
Issued by the Provincial or Islamabad Bar Council confirming:
- Enrollment as an Advocate of the High Court with at least 7 years’ standing.
- No outstanding dues.
- No pending or decided misconduct proceedings.
6. Bar Association Clearance Certificate
Confirming no dues or liabilities are pending.
7. List of Cases
A signed list of selected, pending, and disposed High Court cases independently conducted by the applicant, along with detailed and final judgments (reported or unreported) of at least 15 cases.
8. Enrollment Fee
Deposit slip or Pay Order/Demand Draft of Rs. 50,000/-, payable to the Pakistan Bar Council (HBL – Supreme Court Branch).
9. Complete Bio-Data
Including qualifications, experience, legal adviserships, elected offices held (if any), tax status, postal address, contact numbers, and email address.
10. Service Certificate
(If applicable) indicating duration of service, dates of joining and leaving, and reasons for leaving.
11. Undertaking
That the applicant will become a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association within six months of enrollment.
12. Attested Copy of CNIC
Document Scrutiny
All submitted documents are scrutinized by the Bar Council and the Supreme Court.
Any objections raised must be addressed and resolved by the applicant within the prescribed time.
Interview Stages
1. High Court Fitness Interview
Before applying to the PBC, the applicant must appear before the High Court panel.
- Panel: Chief Justice and approximately four senior judges.
- Requirements:
- At least 7 years of active High Court practice.
- Minimum 15 reported judgments as lead counsel, or a substantial number of unreported independently conducted cases (e.g., 100).
- Focus:
Legal competence, courtroom conduct, advocacy skills, and experience in significant litigation.
Once approved, the High Court issues the Fitness Certificate.
2. Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Enrollment Interview
After receiving the Fitness Certificate, the applicant appears before the Enrollment Committee of the PBC.
- Panel: Two members of the Enrollment Committee chaired by a Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court.
- Scheduling: Interviews are held periodically, often annually.
- Locations: Supreme Court Registries in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Outcome (If Successful)
Roll Signing
The applicant signs the Roll of Advocates of the Supreme Court.
Issuance of License
The applicant receives the license / law associate certificate, formally recognizing them as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, entitling them to practice before the Supreme Court.
