"Courtroom is not to be confused with an audience at an election campaign", Justice KM Joseph advises young lawyers

Supreme Court judge, Justice KM Joseph was recently invited to speak at the the 13th annual convocation ceremony at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) Kochi. During the course of his address, he advised the young graduates on the practice of law..In the course of his speech, the judge also made pertinent observations regarding the need to exercise discipline in making court room arguments. .The courtroom is not to be confused with an audience at an election campaign. While oratorial skills may be harnessed, a wise counsel will recognise that oratory is only a means to an end and the quality of brevity is greatly appreciated by courts.Justice KM Joseph.Justice Joseph spoke elaborately on why those who wish to set up a law practice must hone their talents under the able guidance of an experienced counsel, and how the career of law involves continuous learning. ."The practice of law is not to be taken lightly. You are no different from a surgeon upon whose skill, hard work and dedication hang the life of a patient ... Pursue knowledge through your careers as a humble student. Drop the know-all mask which you may be inclined to wear on the strength of having undergone a five years course in law."Justice KM Joseph.Further, he advised that while practicing the law,"Do not stand on your ego. It is better to ask and find answers before things become far too late.".Justice Joseph was also prompted to stress on the importance of reading for lawyers. He further observed that “The lawyer is a jack of all trades. The sea, the space and everything about life is under the command of law. No activity is today beyond the reach of law. This enhances the utility of a practitioner to society and catapults the responsibility of a lawyer as never before"..He also recommended that the students familiarise themselves with trial experience on both civil and criminal sides of practice.."I believe that a lawyer should put in at least a few years in the trial courts and High Court in all aspects of civil law as sound knowledge of the basic concepts of civil law is important for laying a strong foundation for a successful practice in law".Justice KM Joseph.The need for lawyers to engage in pro bono work to aid the underprivileged and disadvantaged found a mention in Justice Joseph's address as well. While speaking on the high fees charged by lawyers, he remarked, ."Remember your duty which is to render service to your fellow countrymen who in their distress rush to you hoping to find solutions to their vexed problems but handicapped by the paucity of funds.".Justice Joseph also used the opportunity to warn the graduates to refrain from attempting to mislead the court. He cautioned,.You will stand exposed. It is not unnatural that judges discuss lawyers. Lawyers who mislead are bad news and it travels fast.Justice KM Joseph.He went on to highlight the importance of being prepared in the Court, and to refrain from speaking in Court without understanding the consequences of the statements made. .He added that honesty and fairness are some of the virtues that a lawyer must embody. Further, while cautioning the audience against being negligent in their work, he pointed out that lawyers themselves may be taken to Court by litigants over half baked professional work..While speaking on the need to ensure the one is courteous to the opposing lawyers as well as the Bench, he observed that helping the Court in arriving at correct and just conclusions was the true duty and the role of a lawyer..In the course of his speech, Justice Joseph also observed that a counsel should ideally be a master of the facts of his case, so that he is able to answer any aspect of the case which may be posed by a discerning Judge. He went on to share some advice he had received from a senior counsel during his early years. ."He told me that the Court is like a zoo. There is the elephant, the horse, the deer and also the tiger and the lion. You cannot feed grass to the tiger as much as you would feed them to a deer", Justice Joseph recounted. He went on to add,."Carefully observe how each Judge reacts by attending court proceedings. Make use of the time you have when you are not having any particular case to attend some court."Justice KM Joseph.On a concluding note, the judge remarked, "Run a hard race, Abide by the rules of the game. Your rewards will surprise even you."