In a stern reminder that the legal profession is not a marketplace for self-promotion, the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has issued a strong advisory warning to lawyers against using social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn to market themselves through flashy reels, influencer-style content, and self-congratulatory posts.
The Council's notice cites Rule 36 of the Bar Council of India Rules, which prohibits lawyers from soliciting work or advertising, and warns that violations could lead to suspension or disciplinary proceedings under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
While the Bar’s warning may appear like a routine reiteration of ethics, the message comes at a time when a growing number of young lawyers are embracing social media not just to discuss the law but to build their personal brand. From celebratory posts about bail orders and court appearances to influencer-style a day in the life of a lawyer videos, the legal profession is facing a modern test of its deeply held standards on professional conduct.
“Posting court victories, issuing thank-you notes to clients in the form of reels, or sharing media coverage of one’s arguments, all of this violates the spirit of legal ethics,” the BCD’s advisory stated, warning that any lawyer found promoting themselves directly or indirectly would be liable to disciplinary action.
According to Rule 36, which restricts advocates from advertising their services through circulars, personal communication, interviews, or by touting. Traditionally, this rule has meant that lawyers could not promote themselves like businesses, no hoardings, no newspaper ads, no radio jingles.
Over the past few years, dozens of lawyers, especially from metropolitan cities have built strong followings online, sharing legal insights, case explainers, courtroom anecdotes, and even vlogs. While many claim to be focused on public legal education, their presence often overlaps with brand-building.
“Clients look you up online before anything else, so there’s a real pressure to be visible,” said a young Delhi High Court lawyer, requesting anonymity. “For many in my generation, being active on Instagram or LinkedIn feels like part of the job. But the Bar clearly wants to draw a line, courtrooms aren’t meant to be runways.”
However, not everyone is convinced that a blanket ban on social media activity is the answer. Several lawyers argue that there is a difference between unethical promotion and public legal literacy.
“If a lawyer is educating the public about law or explaining court judgments without promoting their services, that should not be penalised,” said another Supreme Court advocate. “The rules need to evolve with time. A rigid reading of Rule 36 risks silencing legitimate voices.”
Internationally, bar associations in countries like the US and UK have relaxed advertising norms with adequate disclaimers and transparency clauses.
“Social media has become a powerful tool, but the line between legal awareness and self-promotion is getting blurred. Many young lawyers see reels as a way to reach out, but we now have to be extra cautious,” said another lawyer.
The Bar Council of Delhi’s advisory zeroes in on a growing trend that lawyers using short-form videos particularly Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to promote themselves. These clips often show lawyers entering courtrooms in black robes, posing with clients or celebrating orders with dramatic background music, captions like bail granted in 30 seconds, or even cinematic re-enactments of legal arguments. According to the BCD, such content crosses the line from information to blatant self-advertisement.
The Council warned that even indirect advertising such as third-party pages showcasing individual lawyers' victories or client reviews disguised as testimonials would be examined. The emphasis is on upholding dignity, decorum, and confidentiality.
