It is no secret that the legal profession in Pakistan is nepotistic, where a surname usually outweighs merit; places in the legislature and executive are conferred down like some family heirloom; and young lawyers ‘inherit’ the law practices of their fathers and forefathers.
Add being a first-generation lawyer to the mix, and suddenly all odds are stacked against you. How does one navigate their way into a system so deeply entrenched in patronage?
The earliest, and perhaps the hardest challenge, arises at the point of entry. With elementary websites, redundant email addresses, and negligible social media presence, applying to a litigation firm as first-gen lawyer is a herculean task, and joining one is nothing short of a gamble.
My unyielding attitude and a relentlessly emailed well-crafted resume to several law firms secured me a position at a reputable law office. Unfortunately, my triumph quickly turned bitter. The terms of my employment stipulated a 48-hour work week spanning over six days, and a monthly compensation of Rs25,000. While I held my end of the bargain, the senior management of the said law office did not. I was not paid for the two months I worked there. Fortunately, I had the good sense to resign shortly thereafter, and especially when, the excuse “your salary cheque will be cleared soon” had become a tired and exploitative refrain.
Incidents like this not only shatter the confidence of first-gen lawyers but also serve as a testament to the exploitative environment, masked under false promises of security and success, misleading young lawyers and stunting their growth. While this phenomenon may extend to professions beyond law, it has become routine to expect junior lawyers, particularly in litigation, to radiate enthusiasm despite negligible, if any, monetary benefits. It’s as if the introduction to law practice is framed as
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