Championing Professional Ethics & Women in Law
The law is a noble profession, but it is losing its way. I fight for transparency, ethical practice, and a safer environment for every advocate in India.
How can the public differentiate between a real advocate and a legal influencer? I explain the Bar Council of India's strict guidelines against soliciting work and why sensationalist content is lethal to our noble profession.
At a panel discussion celebrating 100 years of women in law. For real change to happen, these events need an inclusive audience, including men and policymakers, to help break stereotypes and promote true equality.
Attending an event for women in law. While celebrating milestones is important, we must ensure these conversations lead to tangible actions that benefit the entire legal field and promote gender inclusivity.
A powerful moment from the '100 Years of Women in Law' event. It is inspiring to see the trailblazers who paved the way for us, but our work for equality is far from over.
In the audience at a women in law event. It is crucial that we all participate in these discussions to champion equality and ensure the legal profession offers equal opportunities for everyone.
I am a strong advocate for women's rights within our profession. Here, I am discussing the challenges female advocates face, particularly regarding harassment and the abuse of power by seniors, with a colleague.
The Supreme Court's new guidelines for Senior Advocate designation now include an option to state if you are a first-generation lawyer. This is a huge step, as starting a practice without a family background in law is a herculean task.
I raised my concerns about the safety of female advocates with SCBA Chairman Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala. We need a committee where women can secretly report grievances like sexual harassment or extortion without fear of reprisal from powerful individuals.
The Advocate Act of 1961 prohibits self-promotion and advertising to maintain the dignity of our profession. However, many are engaging in aggressive marketing. I believe we must uphold these ethical standards to ensure justice remains our ultimate goal.
About Championing Ethics & Women in Law
Many ask me why I challenge the current trend of so-called legal influencers. It is because the Advocates Act of 1961 is not a suggestion; it is the backbone of our integrity. When I speak about the safety of women in our fraternity or the importance of BCI guidelines, I am speaking from the frontlines where I have raised these concerns directly with bar associations to ensure our profession remains about justice, not sensational content.
My Stance on Legal Ethics
I believe the courtroom is for arguments, not theatrics. The rise of social media lawyering has created a distorted view of what it means to be an advocate. I consistently fight for the spirit of the Advocates Act of 1961, which strictly prohibits solicitation. When lawyers focus on clicks and views, the quality of justice suffers. I have actively called out misconduct and continue to push for a return to traditional legal ethics where evidence and strategy, not viral videos, win cases.
Supporting Women in Law
Being a first-generation female lawyer is a Herculean task, and the challenges do not end with obtaining a degree. I have witnessed and heard countless stories of harassment and the abuse of power by senior practitioners. This is why I am pushing for institutional changes, such as a secure, secret reporting mechanism for female advocates to file grievances without fear of retribution. It is not enough to talk about gender inclusivity at panel discussions; we need to build a system that protects the vulnerable and holds powerful individuals accountable for their actions.
Why I Speak Out
My practice is built on the belief that if you are a lawyer, your reputation should be built on successful outcomes, not clever marketing. I represent clients who have been wronged, and I represent the truth of our profession. If you are a young advocate facing systemic issues or a client looking for a lawyer who follows the book, I am here to ensure you are heard.
Pooja Khandelwal
I am Pooja Khandelwal, a first-generation lawyer who built my career from the ground up without a godfather. I have seen the rot in our system—the harassment, the unethical solicitation—and I refuse to look the other way. This is not just a career for me; it is a battleground where I protect the dignity of our profession and the safety of my female peers.
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