While my earlier articles focused on the government’s responsibilities towards female judges and the judiciary’s role in improving efficiency, this piece highlights the deeply exploitative nature of the legal market in cities like Multan. Junior lawyers, especially women, often endure years of performing menial tasks without pay or recognition. This systemic exploitation undermines their growth and dignity, leaving many questioning their future in the profession.
In my daily interactions with female lawyers at the High Court bench in Multan, I consistently hear stories of unfair treatment. Many complain that their senior lawyers deny them access to case files or meaningful work. Instead, they are reduced to holding files in court— a practice that hinders their growth and professional development. Such experiences are starkly different from my own initial exposure to the legal profession at LUMS, where I was fortunate to learn from inspiring mentors like the late Justice Fazal Karim, Bilal Manto, Khwaja Ahmed Hosein, Justice Jawad S Khawaja and others.
During my internships in Lahore, I encountered progressive lawyers like Waqas Mir, who emphasized learning through meaningful research tasks and engaging interns in substantive legal discussions. Even in Multan, I have been fortunate enough as my personal experience with my senior lawyer has been better than others in the city. Although a significant departure from the prevalent court culture isn’t possible at present, however, unlike many of my peers, I had opportunities to engage with meaningful legal work and learn something along the way. I do recognize that my case is exceptional, and other junior lawyers have lesser exposure to good learning opportunities and practical skills in law firms in Multan than I do. For most of my colleagues, the reality is an environment that prioritizes obedience over merit and discourages growth.
GENDER-BASED DISCRIMINATION IN MULTAN’S LEGAL FRATERNITY: The challenges for female lawyers in Multan extend beyond professional stagnation. Court staff and clerks often demean them, equating their presence to redundancy simply because of their gender. Regardless of their educational background or professional achievements, women in this field face misogynistic remarks, harassment, and demeaning treatment that erode their self-worth.
The pervasive culture of misogyny in Multan’s courts stands in stark contrast to the environments I experienced at institutions like LUMS or during my time at Notre Dame Law School, where I worked with world-leading human rights lawyers and gender experts. Despite these enriching experiences, even I have questioned my ability to persevere in such a hostile environment.
The situation is particularly disheartening for young women entering the profession with dreams of making a difference. They often find themselves in an exploitative environment where even educated male lawyers contribute to destroying their self-esteem. This toxic culture pushes many to abandon their legal careers altogether, resulting in a significant loss of potential for the profession.
The legal profession must undergo a cultural and structural shift to uphold the principles of human dignity and fairness. Only then can we create a legal environment where young lawyers, regardless of their gender or background, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of justice.
THE EXPLOITATION OF JUNIOR LAWYERS: For junior lawyers in Multan, professional life often begins and ends with a single expectation: unwavering servitude to senior lawyers. This culture prioritizes obedience and sycophancy over talent or hard work. Many young lawyers must endure years of running errands, holding files in court, and enduring verbal abuse, all without proper pay or due credit for their work.
The lack of structure and accountability in the legal profession further exacerbates the problem. Unlike more developed legal markets, where structured mentorship and fair wages are the norm, junior lawyers in Multan are left to navigate a system that thrives on nepotism, favoritism, and exploitation.
While some senior lawyers take pride in mentoring young professionals, they remain the exception rather than the rule. For the majority, the idea of transferring knowledge or empowering juniors is seen as a burden. Instead, they exploit young lawyers’ desperation for experience, effectively trapping them in a cycle of dependency and subservience.
THE NEED FOR REFORM: The challenges faced by junior lawyers in Multan reflect broader systemic issues within Pakistan’s legal profession. Reform is urgently needed to address the exploitative practices and create an environment where young lawyers can thrive. Key measures include:
MANDATORY EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS: The absence of formal agreements allows for unchecked exploitation. Bar councils must enforce mandatory contracts to regulate working hours, define roles, and ensure fair compensation.
STRUCTURED MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS: Senior lawyers should be incentivized—or required—to mentor junior lawyers, providing them with substantive work opportunities and guidance.
GENDER SENSITIZATION TRAINING: Court staff, clerks, and senior lawyers must undergo training to address gender bias and harassment. This is crucial for creating a safer and more inclusive environment for women in the profession.
PROMOTING ALTERNATIVE CAREER PATHS: Given the exploitative nature of traditional litigation in cities like Multan, young lawyers should be encouraged to explore alternative career paths such as freelancing, online legal consultancy, or specialized fields like intellectual property law.
TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION: Investing in technological solutions can empower young lawyers to work independently, freeing them from the constraints of hierarchical legal practices.
HOPE AMIDST CHALLENGES: Despite the grim realities, there are reasons to remain hopeful. My experiences at LUMS and Notre Dame Law School, and my interactions with mentors who value learning and growth, remind me that good people exist in the legal profession. These individuals serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right guidance and opportunities, young lawyers can overcome the challenges of a flawed system.
However, hope alone is not enough. The legal profession must undergo a cultural and structural shift to uphold the principles of human dignity and fairness. Only then can we create a legal environment where young lawyers, regardless of their gender or background, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of justice.
