'Develop Childlike Curiosity To Become An Outstanding Lawyer': Justice Kureshi's Tips On Good Advocacy

In a recently organized webinar by Livelaw on How to extend classroom training into good advocacy, Justice Akil Kureshi, Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court imparted his valuable insights on a range of topics relevant to the profession. Starting from the role that a strong bar plays in the justice delivery system to discussing the adequacy of the current academic structure of law schools in the practical training of students, Justice Kureshi offered a detailed analysis of these issues. While sharing his opinion on nepotism, he opined that the Bar must take strict actions against incidences of illegitimate favoritism in the profession. He inspired first generation lawyers to overcome their initial handicaps with rigor and hard work and provided some actionable tips to be an outstanding lawyer. He advised lawyers and students to keep themselves motivated in the current COVID-19 crises while recommending them to utilize this time in sharpening their skills and increasing their knowledge. He also addressed the issues of inadequate representation of women in senior positions in the profession and viability of virtual courts. The session was moderated by Advocate Prachi Dutta. In his concluding message, he advised all young professionals to uphold their convictions no matter what and to never compromise with their principles. He said "As lawyers, you are in a unique position to continue the journey of the nation in securing equality and social justice for all. India represents an unprecedented experiment in social restructuring of classes. As you grow in experience, keep a close vigil on this journey. Do not worry if the pace of this journey is slow sometimes but definitely worry if the course of this journey seems wrong. " Highlights from the webinar Moderator: Why, according to you, is the topic "How to extend classroom training into good advocacy" relevant in the current times? Justice Kureshi: A strong bar is essential for an efficient justice delivery system in the country. A strong bar, firstly, strengthens the judiciary as it is only with the help of inputs from great lawyers that judges pass landmark judgments. Secondly, it ensures that competent law students and lawyers join the judiciary. Lack of competent candidates is the dominant factor responsible for shortages of judges across the country. Going by the latest report of August 2, 2020 of the Law Ministry, across the country there are 1079 vacancies in the High Courts of which 685 are filled up and 394 are vacant. There are slightly older figures of 2018 which reveal that in the District Courts, there were 22,474 vacancies of which 16, 726 were filled up and roughly 6000 were vacant. The dominant factor associated with recruitment at district courts across the country is the non-availability of competent candidates. Thirdly, lawyers are essential to ensure an independent and impartial judiciary in the country as they are the stakeholders that have immense courage and conviction and can hold a judge to the correct course and it's their role to protect the citizens from the excesses of arbitrary power by the Executive. Moderator: Do you think the present academic structure is non-conducive to hone a candidate's skills for professional roles like judiciary and lawyering? Justice Kureshi: The advent of National Law Universities has attracted very bright minds to the profession which was hitherto not the scene in my times when very few people entered the profession as their first choice. The entire focus has now shifted from classroom training to a practical learning approach through moot courts, essay writing competitions and internships and these are very positive changes. I would say that we definitely need a second wave of reforms now. Academicians must decide on the nature of these reforms. Moreover, students can hone their professional skills by building their problem solving techniques. They should pick hypothetical or real life problems and work on finding solutions as the process of resolving problems is central to the profession's requirement. During internships, students should make a point to not use Google to find answers to research questions and should undertake original research using legal databases, books and commentaries. Moderator: What are your views on nepotism and do you think it's important for a young lawyer to have a legal background in order to succeed in the profession? Justice Kureshi: Nepotism, although unfair, is a fact of life. Benefits accrued to sons and daughters of lawyers and judges through legitimate means cannot be complained about but when illegitimate means are involved, the bar must take action. Moreover, first generation lawyers should never allow their handicaps to limit their progress. History of mankind is replete with people who have defied all odds and achieved things impossible to imagine for...

'Develop Childlike Curiosity To Become An Outstanding Lawyer': Justice Kureshi's Tips On Good Advocacy

Monisha Purwar

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