From Intelligence To Empathy: Reimagining Role Of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) In Legal Profession

The legal profession has long been anchored in the primacy of intellect, logic, precedent, statutory interpretation and reasoning. From classrooms to courtrooms the emphasis has traditionally been on the relevance of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) i.e. the ability to analyse, argue and adjudicate. However, the lived realities within the legal profession increasingly reveal a silent yet an urgent need for Emotional Intelligence (EQ). There is a need to bring in a paradigm shift from a purely intellect-driven system to one that integrates empathy, emotional awareness and humane decision making. This is not merely an academic inquiry rather a reflection shaped by lived experiences within the classrooms and courtrooms alike. Over the years it has been seen that individuals in any profession do not falter due to lack of intellect but due to an inability to process, regulate and respond to emotions— their own and that of others. These are not the failures of justice rather the gaps in emotional intelligence. The term “intelligence quotient” introduced by William Stern measures cognitive abilities such as reasoning and problem solving. In contrast “emotional intelligence” popularised by Daniel Goleman refers to the ability to perceive, understand, regulate and respond to emotions effectively.

Recent developments in India have drawn attention to the emotional and psychological pressures within the legal profession. A tragic instance involving a young judicial magistrate who took his own life raises serious concerns about mental health, emotional turmoils, work pressures and personal disputes. The suicide prompted the transfer of investigation to the Crime Branch due to the complexity of the circumstances. The details of the incident are under scrutiny but the very occurrence raises critical questions about mental health.[1] Similarly, the legal fraternity witnessed disquiet when a young lawyer was reportedly sentenced to 24 hours of judicial custody by a judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court.[2] The incident now amicably settled[3] drew sharp reactions from the Bar Council of India which demanded the transfer of the judge and withdrawal of judicial work assigned to him. The episode was not merely about the legal correctness but about proportionality, dignity and the humane exercise of judicial authority. Such instances are not isolated aberrations but symptoms of deeper systematic issues. The judiciary just like the advocates demand not only intellectual excellence but also emotional resilience. Judges on a routine basis deal with cases involving violence, trauma, family disputes and human suffering. The expectation of detachment which is often mistaken for objectivity can paradoxically lead to emotional suppression rather than balanced adjudication. This may in turn lead to harsher adjudications every now and then.

The legal profession like many others operates within a structured framework which is designed to apply and interpret the laws. However, behind this institutional framework are individuals who are judges, lawyers, litigants who are all working and navigating through deadlines and immense pressures. The question therefore is not whether the system functions but how humanely it functions. Former Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai while addressing the convocation of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in 2025[4] said that young lawyers must prioritise mental health and also recognise the emotional and structural challenges of the legal profession. Justice Gavai further stated, “this profession demands that you constantly prove yourself: to the court, to your client, to your peers and often to yourself, it demands and it keeps demanding.” With these words he acknowledged the internal and external pressures that young advocates face and said that mental health cannot be addressed without recognising structural barriers in the legal field.[5] Justice DY Chandrachud, former Chief Justice of India also in 2023 in a virtual conversation with Professor David B. Wilkins of Harvard Law School[6] said “Long working hours, sleepless nights, no exercise, financial worries make the profession stressful.” Stressing on the importance of mental health in the legal profession Justice Chandrachud further said, “The question is not how good mental health advances my professional interests. Mental well being is of paramount importance even if it cannot advance your career in any way. It has an inherent value. In any case, it does not improve your performance in the long run by just pursuing a holistic pattern of life….. we have created a system which rewards excellence at the cost of practically everything.” [7]

Young lawyers, especially those at the beginning of their careers, face their own set of challenges such as financial instability, professional insecurity and hierarchical pressures within the legal system. The incident from Andhra Pradesh as cited above underscores how quickly professional spaces become sites of humiliation or distress when empathy is absent. The legal profession is inherently adversarial but it need not be devoid of compassion. A system that values dignity alongside discipline can foster both professional excellence and psychological well-being. There have been instances where empathy has found expression at the highest levels of judiciary displaying an impeccable sense of emotional intelligence. The Honorable Chief Justice of India, Justice Suryakant emphasised the need for sensitivity in family courts[8] suggesting that advocates should refrain from wearing traditional black gowns as they may intimidate or distress children involved in custody disputes. This observation carries profound significance since the Honorable Chief Justice acknowledged that justice is not merely outcomes but also about the experience of those who seek it. In matters involving vulnerable litigants the environment of the court itself must be reimagined through an empathetic lens.

Why does EQ Matter?

Emotional intelligence encompasses self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation and interpersonal sensitivity. In the context of legal profession EQ manifests itself ways such as:

1. Judicial sensitivity— A judge with high EQ can balance legal reasoning with humane understanding ensuring that justice is not only done but felt.
2. Client Interaction— Lawyers who exhibit empathy can better understand and represent the needs of their clients especially in emotionally charged cases.
3. Workplace culture— Emotional intelligence fosters respectful professional relationships, reduces instances of harassment and mental distress.
4. Conflict resolution— Mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms inherently rely on empathy and emotional insight.
5. Public Trust— The interaction of EQ does not dilute the rigour of law rather it enhances its legitimacy and accessibility.

The evolving challenges within the legal profession call for a recalibration of priorities. Intelligence in its traditional sense will always remain vital. However, without emotional intelligence it risks becoming mechanical and detached in its impact. The recent incidents involving judicial stress, professional conflicts and institutional responses serve as reminders that law is ultimately a human endeavour. The way forward lies in creating a harmony between the IQ and EQ. It must always be remembered that behind every case file is a story and behind every judgement a life affected.

The author is an Assistant Professor of Law at University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University, Chandigarh. Views are personal.

References:

1. LiveLaw News Network, Delhi Judge dies by Suicide, available at: https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/delhi-judge-dies-by-suicide-532629 ↑

2. LiveLaw News Network, SCBA expresses shock over AP HC Judge ordering police custody of young advocate, seeks CJI's intervention, available at: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/scba-expresses-shock-over-ap-hc-judge-ordering-police-custody-of-young-advocate-seeks-cjis-intervention-533100 ↑

3. Ibid. ↑

4. Amisha Shrivastava, Legal Profession can be emotionally taxing; Don't Hide your mental health struggles: CJI BR Gavai to Law Graduates, LiveLaw available at: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/cji-br-gavai-highlights-advocate-mental-health-issues-nalsar-convocation-address-297378 ↑

5. Ibid. ↑

6. LiveLaw News Network, 'Avoid Tendency to Glorify Over-Work; Mental Health important for Lawyers': CJI DY Chandrachud, available at: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/avoid-tendency-to-glorify-over-work-mental-health-important-for-lawyers-cji-dy-chandrachud-218718 ↑

7. Ibid. ↑

8. LiveLaw News Network, Shun Black Robes in Family Courts to Avoid fear in Children, Rename them 'Family Resolution Centres': CJI Suryakant, available at: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/shun-black-robes-in-family-courts-to-avoid-fear-in-children-rename-them-family-resolution-centres-cji-surya-kant-526813 ↑