Every year, thousands of law graduates take their oath and join the legal profession in Pakistan. But within 2 to 5 years, a large number of them quit active practice. Why does this happen?
Let’s explore the main reasons:
1. Financial Struggles in the Beginning
Unlike many other professions, legal practice doesn’t offer a fixed salary at the start. Most junior advocates work under seniors without any or very little income. Some get small amounts for appearing in court, but it’s often not enough to survive, especially in big cities.
Result: Many young lawyers, especially those from middle or lower-income families, can’t afford to wait and are forced to look for better-paying jobs.
2. Lack of Proper Mentorship
Good seniors are busy. Some are unwilling to properly guide or teach juniors. Many young advocates are left to just follow files or sit in court without real learning or exposure to serious legal work.
Effect: Frustration grows, and juniors feel like they are wasting their time.
3. No Clear Career Path
In other professions like medicine, engineering, or civil services, there is a clear structure for promotions, exams, or grades. But in law, there is no formal promotion system. Progress depends on connections, luck, or gaining your own clients—which can take years.
Result: Many lose hope and look for more stable and structured careers.
4. Political and Corrupt Environment
Unfortunately, in some parts of Pakistan’s legal system, politics within bar councils and unprofessional behavior affect the working environment. Young lawyers often feel discouraged by groupism, favoritism, or unethical practices.
Impact: Sincere and educated lawyers may feel like they don’t belong and silently exit the system.
5. Pressure from Family and Society
Families expect young lawyers to start earning soon. If that doesn’t happen, there’s pressure to prepare for competitive exams (CSS, PCS, judiciary) or take a government or private job. Law is often seen as a “last option” unless it brings money or fame.
Effect: Many switch to teaching, corporate jobs, or even unrelated professions.
6. Gender Barriers (For Women)
For many female lawyers, continuing practice becomes difficult due to harassment, lack of facilities in courts, unsafe environments, and cultural limitations. Without strong support, many talented women leave law even though they have potential.
7. Lack of Legal Reforms and Job Options
Unlike other countries, Pakistan lacks structured legal internships, legal research jobs, or assistant roles in law firms. There’s no system to absorb young lawyers into judiciary-linked positions unless they pass tough public exams.
Conclusion: Limited job opportunities outside traditional practice push lawyers to other fields.
Final Thoughts
Many young advocates leave practice not because they lack ability—but because the system lacks support, structure, and early opportunities. If Pakistan wants to keep its bright legal minds in the profession, we need better mentorship, fair income models, court reforms, and respect for junior lawyers.
Until then, law will continue to lose many who could have been powerful voices for justice.
