Gain Experience At Trial Courts Before Moving To Higher Levels : CJI Ramana Advises Law Graduates

Speaking at the convocation ceremony at the NALSAR University of Law, Hyderbarad, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana urged law students to consider gaining experience at the trial level before moving to higher levels."I find that very few students who graduate from National Law Schools are interested in joining litigation or taking up public causes, let alone practice at the district level", the Chief Justice of India said.CJI Ramana said that he noticed a "fascination" among the students graduating from National Law Schools to practice only before the Supreme Court or the High Courts, completely ignoring the importance of the trial courts. He said that a different skill set is required to succeed at trial advocacy, wherein the requirement of presence of mind and intellectual inputs is immense. Also, considering the the highest pendency before the trial courts, there is both a demand and the need for specialized lawyers. CJI recounted that his personal personal journey started with his appearance before a tehsildar in tenancy matter. Ever since then, he said he has appeared before tax authorities, stamp registrar, magistrate court, munsif court, etc. "I still remember my first assignment as a judge appointed commissioner. I was paid a princely sum of 100 rupees for that assignment as Commissioner. I must say, the experiences I gathered from these endeavors shaped my understanding of the system and the people", he added."No university can teach you this. You must understand that there is no substitute for direct experience", he added. He emphasized that the strong foundation for a legal career is practical realization. It is only when you work at the grassroot level, you understand the rigors of law on common man.Need to introduce practical coursesCJI also spoke about the need to introduce practical courses so that students do not consider legal problems in a theoretical manner alone. "I observe that graduating students are accustomed to only considering legal problems in a theoretical manner. There is an urgent need to introduce courses which are more practical and allow students to interact with people and their issues at the grassroot level. That brings me to one of the disappointing outcomes I have found in present day legal education".Practicing law one of the most demanding professionsCJI reminded the students that practising law remains one of the most demanding professions. One needs extraordinary will, passion and commitment to the cause to sustain through the ordeals."I am of the firm belief that success will come to those who have faith in themselves. You must enter the profession with the zeal of a champion of justice. At times you may feel that your work is pretty ordinary. You may feel that your talents are not being properly used. You may see many undeserving people flourish in the profession.But opportunity comes to everyone, and when the opportunity knocks, be ready. You must put into practice all that you have learnt here. I assure you there is no success like the success in the profession of law. There is no satisfaction like the satisfaction in bringing justice to those in need. Remember, you are entering one of the most independent professions. Be fearless and Be upright. Stand by constitutional oath taken by you", the CJI said. Students cannot afford to be disilluisonedCJI also spoke about the importance of students participating in public debates and championing public causes. "It is imperative for you to be a part of current debates. Do not stop at just raising questions. Also ask yourself what the remedy can be. Being the future of the nation, you must have a clear vision.Being the guardians of freedom, justice, equality and ethics, you cannot allow narrow and partisan views to dominate the nation's thought. Students are known for their readiness to fight for all the right causes because their thoughts are pure and honest. They should be in the forefront to question injustice. We need leaders for tomorrow to rise from these grounds".He also expressed alarm at the increased number of students falling prey to intoxicants and advised students to stay away from substance abuse.Read the Full Text of CJI's speech : "I am delighted to join all of you here for this eighteenth annual Convocation being held in Hyderabad. I see parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, all look happier today than the graduates themselves. It is indeed a special occasion for all of them. You graduates represent their scarifies, their aspirations and their hope. At the outset I congratulate all the students graduating today and also welcome them to a challenging and incredibly satisfying profession. Today is a proud occasion for this University and its faculty. Students of NALSAR are reaching far and wide, bringing laurels to the University. NALSAR is now known for its research centres and academic rigors which has produced many bright lawyers and academicians. Prof. Faizan Mustafa, your beloved...

Gain Experience At Trial Courts Before Moving To Higher Levels : CJI Ramana Advises Law Graduates

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