Law Ministry Fixes Minimum Experience For Central Government Panel Counsel And Deputy Solicitors General
Ministry has also fixed a minimum qualification for Senior Panel Counsel who represent the Central Government.
The Ministry of Law and Justice has issued an Office Memorandum (OM) fixing essential qualifications and experience for lawyers empanelled for conducting litigation before various High Courts and the Supreme Court.
As per the new guidelines, a Group ‘A’ Panel Counsel must have a minimum of 5 years of legal practice, while Group 'B' and 'C' must have a minimum of 4 and 3 years, respectively.
The OM mandates a minimum of 10 years of legal practice to be appointed as a Deputy Solicitor General.
The OM dated August 20, 2026, clarifies that though the guidelines are effective from the date of issuance, all existing empanelment of Advocates will be valid till the completion of their tenure.
In most High Courts, the Central Government Counsel will require a minimum of 4 years experience, while a Senior Panel Counsel will require 5 years experience.
The OM mandates an annual performance review. "The tenure of empanelment shall be for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Performance of empaneled advocates shall be reviewed on annual basis", the OM says.
The OM provides for a mechanism for applying to be empanelled. The OM provides a form for application and documents to be produced along with the application.
Click here to read/download Office Memorandum