'LiveLaw Essential Companion', Says Lawyer Who Topped Higher Judiciary Exams In Both Punjab & Haryana

In an exceptional feat, Ludhiana-based advocate Prabhjot Singh Sachdeva has secured the top rank in both the Punjab and Haryana Higher Judicial Service Examinations, earning his selection as an Additional District and Sessions Judge.

Speaking about his preparation journey, Sachdeva credits LiveLaw as a "constant companion" during his rigorous preparation, underscoring the importance of staying connected with contemporary legal developments.

“LiveLaw helped me stay updated with the latest judgments and legal developments. Its concise and analytical coverage of Supreme Court and High Court decisions saved considerable time and helped me quickly grasp the practical implications of important rulings,” he says.

He adds that LiveLaw's reporting on Constitutional Bench judgments and policy-level legal discussions helped him develop a broader and more nuanced understanding of the law. Even during the interview phase, Sachdeva relied on the platform to stay updated with daily legal developments—right up to the verification process on the day of the interview.

Learning From Failure, Building A Strategy

Sachdeva's success came in his second attempt. In 2024, he narrowly missed selection by just three marks in Civil Law-II. Rather than being disheartened, he used the setback as a learning experience.

“I learned from my failure, identified my mistakes, and then planned a structured and consistent way to strengthen my basics and improve my answer writing,” he recalls.

Motivation Rooted In Mentorship

A first-generation lawyer, Sachdeva traces his judicial aspirations back to his mentor, Late Shri Madan Lal Sharma, Advocate, who encouraged him to aim for the judiciary and believed in his abilities early on.

He also acknowledges the guidance and support of Sh. Gurinderpal Singh and friends Harvinder Singh Johal, Rajneesh Sareen, and Honey Wadhwa, who consistently motivated him through the demanding preparation process.

Topping Both States Was Truly Humbling

While Sachdeva was confident about clearing both examinations, topping both Punjab and Haryana came as a humbling moment.

“I see it less as a surprise and more as a reward for consistency, discipline, and faith in the process,” he reflects.

Balancing Practice With Preparation

Preparing for Higher Judiciary exams while actively practicing law is widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges for aspirants. Sachdeva admits it was demanding, but not impossible.

“Having a timetable, self-discipline, and clear prioritisation made it possible,” he explains.

He curtailed evening office hours and even reduced sleep to ensure uninterrupted study time, sticking rigorously to his daily schedule.

Importance Of Current Legal Developments

According to Sachdeva, staying updated with current legal developments is indispensable for Higher Judiciary aspirants.

“The exams test not just knowledge of law, but awareness of how the law is evolving. Recent Supreme Court and High Court judgments often influence questions, especially in interviews,” he says.

Regular engagement with contemporary case law not only strengthens written answers but also boosts confidence during viva voce rounds.

Advice To Practicing Advocates

For practicing advocates aspiring to join the Higher Judiciary, Sachdeva offers grounded and practical advice.

“Preparation alongside practice is demanding but achievable with discipline, hard work, consistency, and belief in yourself,” he says.

He highlights that legal practice offers invaluable exposure to procedural law, evidence appreciation, drafting, and courtroom dynamics, all of which are crucial for judicial roles. At the same time, aspirants must consciously work on answer writing, as Higher Judiciary exams assess the ability to present structured, logical, and reasoned responses.

His final advice is simple yet powerful:

“Do not compare your journey with others. Focus on steady progress and trust your own preparation strategy.”