In this conflict-ravaged, disease-ridden world, Lawyers must strive to make possible the peaceful lives of men and women: Fali S Nariman

A book launch event hosted on Wednesday evening saw Senior Advocate Fali S Nariman reminding all lawyers and law firms present of a lawyer’s proper place in society. .Senior advocate Nariman quoted the American lawyer John Davis who had spoken of a lawyer's role:“True, we build no bridges. We raise no towers. We construct no engines. We paint no pictures—unless as amateurs for our own amusement. There is little that we do that the eye of man can see but we smooth out difficulties; we relieve stress; we correct mistakes; we take up other men’s burdens and by our efforts, we make possible the peaceful lives of men in a peaceful state.”.He went on to highlight,"I submit that is the image that each member of this society must strive to achieve, to make possible in this conflict-ravaged, disease-ridden world, the peaceful lives of men and women in a peaceful state.".The veteran lawyer was speaking during the release of a coffee table book of members of the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), which also saw the presence of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Attorney General KK Venugopal. In his address, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana spoke of increasing access to and diversity in Indian law firms..Big law firms should hire graduates from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities also: Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.Speaking on the coffee table book in a lighter vein, senior advocate Nariman also remarked that he might qualify for the weighlifter's category in the Olympics after having managed to lift the heavy volume. ."To show the book to one and all, one had to lift it. I confess, Chief Justice, that I lifted it with great difficulty and I am now confident that I qualify for the weightlifting competition at the next Olympics ... Flippant remarks apart and seriously speaking, this is a memorable occasion for all the members of SILF, especially those who figure in a book which is so beautifully presented and so richly illustrated", he said..The senior lawyer concluded his address on a hopeful note. “I too, in the few years of my existence left, wish to re-join the lunch table in the Supreme Court of India and we look forward to the time when we are no longer in virtual mode. Thank you all", he said. .In his address, Attorney General KK Venugopal drew the audience’s attention to a point made by Justice DY Chandrachud in his recent speech at the Harvard Law School that the corporate legal sector must realize that national networks of legal service providers including NGOs are unable to meet the needs of India's disadvantaged population today..Venugopal went on to acknowledge that access to resources and disparity in justice has worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic and observed that an area that law firms can lend assistance in is providing technology training..“While the transition was difficult for law firms, it was nothing short of traumatic for the vast majority of the litigating bar. The Courts themselves were concerned ... As Justice Ramana, the CJI recently said, the work of ensuring complete justice as aspired to under the Constitution can never be said to be completed. The mandate of our Constitution is to work tirelessly, to surpass our own expectations, to make India a country where rights are cherished and sets an example for other countries to follow", he said..The occasion also prompted AG Venugopal to congratulate the SILF and its founder, Dr. Lalit Bhasin, on its journey so far."Law is a chosen field for many bright young students. We have as members of SILF alone 100 or more law firms. What Lalit Bhasin has achieved something remarkable", Venugopal observed..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.