New Delhi: The law interns social media rules are now stricter across India. The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a new code of conduct that bans law interns from posting “day in chamber”, “lawyer life”, courtroom drama, or internship reveal content on social media. The new guidelines aim to protect client confidentiality, maintain court dignity, and strengthen professional ethics during internships.
The circular, issued on July 17, applies to law students, interns, legal educators, advocates, law firms, courts, tribunals and legal institutions. According to the BCI, internships are meant for learning legal practice and professional discipline, not for creating social media content or personal branding.
Details of Law Interns Social Media Rules
Under the new guidelines, law interns must not:
- Record or upload videos inside courts, judges’ chambers or law offices without permission.
- Record court hearings, client meetings, chamber discussions or professional interactions.
- Share client names, case details, pleadings, legal drafts or confidential documents.
- Post “day in chamber”, “internship reveal”, “courtroom drama”, “lawyer life” or similar reels that sensationalise legal work.
- Use internship experiences for social media promotion or personal branding.
- Upload photographs or videos taken in robes, court buildings, court corridors or chambers in a manner that violates professional decorum.
- Publish AI-generated or manipulated content involving judges, lawyers, litigants or court proceedings.
Read also: Turning Point for Indian Lawyers: Supreme Court Questions BCI’s Ban in Bar Council Elections
Why the BCI Introduced These Rules
The Bar Council of India said it has noticed an increasing trend of interns creating reels, vlogs and short videos during internships. According to the Council, such content can expose confidential legal information, damage the dignity of courts and weaken professional ethics.
The BCI reminded students that legal internships are intended to develop discipline, humility, research skills, drafting ability, courtroom observation and professional responsibility—not social media popularity.
Law Interns Social Media Rules: Written Undertaking Now Mandatory
The circular makes it mandatory for every law student to submit a written undertaking before beginning any internship. Law colleges and Centres of Legal Education must also collect a separate undertaking from students at the time of admission and maintain proper records. Institutions have been asked to introduce training on digital ethics, confidentiality and professional responsibility before students begin internships.
Consequences for Violating the Law Interns Social Media Rules
The BCI warned that violations may lead to:
- Withdrawal of internship opportunities.
- Reporting to the concerned law college or State Bar Council.
- Other disciplinary action allowed under law.
The Council expects internship coordinators, bar associations, law firms and senior advocates to educate interns about ethical use of social media and ensure compliance with the new rules.
