The 100-member strong First Generation Lawyers Association recently came into the spotlight after it filed two PILs — one challenging the appointment of 650 government counsel by the Centre to represent it in the Supreme Court and the other questioning the “arbitrary and discriminatory system” of allotment of lawyers’ chambers in the Delhi High Court.
Edited excerpts follow:
Why has your association filed these two PILs, and what are you aiming to achieve through these petitions before the Delhi High Court?
Singh: The FGLA has challenged the set norms, which are discriminatory, especially to the first-generation lawyers. In the notification regarding appointment of 650 advocates, there are more than 100 advocates who are not technically advocates and not eligible as they are yet to pass All Indian Bar Examination which is mandatory to start practise.
According to the BCI Rules, particularly Rule 7.2 and 7.3, before starting practice in the Supreme Court, the lawyers need to practice in district courts for at least two years, then before a high court for minimum three years. However the Centre has included advocates who just got enrolled in 2024, 2025 in the list to represent the government of India before the apex court.
In the lawyers’ chambers PIL we have questioned the rules regarding allotment which were framed in 1980 and violate Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India. Young, first-generation lawyers often wait for years to get chambers while many others get the chambers of their family members just through inheritance. The Rule 5-A gives preferential treatment to spouses, sons and daughters of the existing allottees. According to this rule, in case of demise or leaving practice, the chamber allocated to that lawyer will automatically be allotted to his/her spouse or children, which is contrary to Article 14 of the Constitution.
The plea regarding the appointment of the panel advocates is scheduled to be heard on January 6 and another, concerning the allotment of the chambers, will be heard on February 13 by the Delhi High Court.
Both PILs by the FGLA allege violation of the rights of first-generation lawyers. Do you think nepotism is at the root of these issues?
Singh: It’s not only nepotism, but favouritism and elitism are also writ large in the legal arena, which is why first-generation advocates are being marginalised. Whether it’s a matter of elevation, designating them as senior advocates or appointment in government panels, everywhere, children of judges, senior advocates, bureaucrats and politicians are being given priority. If you see the list of the advocates which we have challenged, all ineligible and non-qualified advocates are from the family of politicians, bureaucrats or associated with families of lawyers, judges.
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How different is your association from other bar associations in terms of agenda and membership? What do you hope to achieve during your tenure?
Singh: We have approximately 100 active members, and after this PIL we got hundreds of requests for membership, which we are scrutinising. Only those advocates and law students can be the members of our association who are first-generation and who chose the profession because of their passion, with inheritance playing no role.
In my tenure, I am prioritising issues like equal participation of first-generation advocates in the bench as well as in bar associations. Both our PILs are aimed at achieving something on these lines only. Our Constitution guarantees equal rights for everyone, and we are determined to fight for our rights. For me, the most important goal is to build a platform where we can resolve issues faced by first-generation lawyers.
Does the association reach out to first-generation lawyers to become members? How do you ensure the prospective members are first-generation only?
Singh: Yes, we organise programs in colleges, district courts where we invite first-generation judges and senior advocates to address issues faced by first-generation lawyers. To ensure members from the first generation are our members, in our membership form, we ask for a declaration from every participant that he/she is a first-generation lawyer, and his/her membership will be automatically cancelled if their statement/declaration is found to be incorrect.
How do you respond to concerns that the PIL concerning lawyers’ appointment may delay important government work, and what are your suggestions for improving the process?
Singh: In the panel list, there are approximately 400 advocates who were already appearing for the government in the court. Hence, no question of delay arises because of our petition.
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The empanelment process must be transparent. Firstly, it should be available for everyone to apply. An independent screening committee and selection committee should assess these applications on merit. The exercise should be done sans nepotism, favouritism and elitism.
What role do you think technology, including AI, is playing in shaping the future of the legal profession in India, and how is the association planning to adapt?
Singh: Technology has always played a vital role in shaping all aspects of every field, whether it is legal or any other field. Our association is already adopting the technology. Our membership drive is totally digital, and we mostly conduct our general meetings through VC only to save time for everyone. Also, in finding judgments, relevant case laws, to keep the record of our cases, technology comes in handy.
Use of AI in the legal field can be useful, but with caution, as many times AI shows wrong precedents, students and lawyers must avoid AI for drafting purposes; it can only be used for searching case laws for the cases.
Can you share some insights into the association’s plans for promoting pro bono work and community outreach?
Singh: The association is always open for pro bono work. We have helped those who are in need of legal expertise but cannot afford it. Last year, when three young civil servant aspirants lost their lives in a coaching centre in Rajinder Nagar, we approached the court. It was in our petition that the honourable Delhi High Court directed the CBI enquiry.
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Again, in the same area when two people died in a building collapse. We filed a case for compensation for the family of the deceased. When the coaching mafia of Delhi targeted some student whistleblowers, we stood with them and secured justice for them. In the future, too, we are always open for pro bono work across the country for those in need.
First Generation Lawyers Association president Rudra Vikram Singh says second, third generation lawyers have always had the privilege to become senior advocates, judges and to be government councils but the first generation lawyers have no such privilege.
How do you plan to address the challenges faced by young lawyers in India, particularly those from underrepresented communities?
Singh: By creating more opportunities for jobs, internships, we are supporting our members across the country. Also, we delegate the legal work amongst the members as per their availability and area of expertise. As the first-generation lawyers are also a marginalised community of the legal fraternity, we understand the pain of unrepresented communities and will make sure to provide all possible help and assistance.
Can you tell us about any upcoming events or initiatives that the association is working on?
Singh: Like I said, we organise programs in district courts to address the issues and to add more members in our association. On December 17, we are organising an event in the Patiala House Court with the New Delhi Bar Association.
We are also planning to organise a national conference in January 2026, in which lawyers from across the country will join. We will also ensure the active participation of members of the association in each bar council and the association of the country. Hence, in the upcoming Bar Council of Delhi elections, we are contesting to have the participation of the first-generation lawyers.
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Do you think first-generation lawyers are less privileged when compared to second or third-generation lawyers?
Singh: We are always marginalised in the legal field. The second, third generation lawyers have always had the privilege to become senior advocates, judges, and to be government counsel, but the first-generation lawyers have no such privilege. Also, the resources that the second and third generations have, the first generation could not afford in the initial phase.
The former have a library, clerks, office from day one of joining the profession, and the latter do not have the same. It also becomes a challenge for first-generation lawyers to get clients. Unfortunately, legacy matters that first-generation lawyers haven’t built, as they have just started.
The interview has been updated
First Generation Lawyers Association president Rudra Vikram Singh says second, third generation lawyers have always had the privilege to become senior advocates, judges and to be government councils but the first generation lawyers have no such privilege.
