Dear readers,

Apologies for being inconsistent and lazy! A lot has happened since my last entry. For starters, I am now a lawyer. Hold on! I am not an advocate but a LAWYER. Confused? The latter is essentially a person who possesses adequate knowledge of the law (and a degree), while the former has a permanent license to practice law. Such is the case in the Indian judicial system. When would I become an advocate? Hopefully, in about six months. This is subject to my ability to clear the All India Bar Exam, i.e. the AIBE, which is scheduled to take place in November-December 2025. I the meantime, I am awaiting my turn to be enrolled at a State Bar Council. Does all this sound alien to you? Fear not. As always, I will narrate each episode in detail in the days ahead.

This entry, however, is akin to a trailer of my new life. It is a mere reflection of what the legal space entails. Therefore, please do not use these insights as a yardstick to measure anything related to law. For this is a personal account. Happy reading!

‘Lit’ it out – Gods, Gown and Guts

If you were fascinated by the tales of Perry Mason or Harvey Spectre, this will burst your bubble of power and money. Then again, it is all about points of view. I have spent many years engrossed in half-baked debates on societal norms. But this phase opened my eyes to a world which is seldom explored.

A little over two months ago, I set foot into one of India’s most reputed law firms. My sole ambition was to alter legal systems. But the many long hours at court convinced me that this goal would entail immense patience and perseverance.  Today, my perception of the legal world and its application has changed manifold. If the space could be described inTo a mnemonic, it would be thenovice such as myself, a sound understanding 3 Gs. prove useful. Confused? Fear not. I promise to explain this facet as concisely and comprehensively as possible.

Firstly, it takes Guts to be a lawyer.   certainly need to possess the Guts to do what they do. Human beings are the most complicated creatures in the world. They preach peace and propagate ruckus in the same breath. and harmony and break paths in the same breath! More importantly, sympathy at a personal level. Sympathy is not always favoured in this line of work. The more objective, the better. After all, everybody has mood swings. These could be triggered by major episodes in one’s life, such as events like the passing of a loved one, or even a trivial episode like an elderly uncle’s 7 am lecture on the art of consuming bitter-gourd juice. Johnny Cash’s all-time hit ‘Walk the Line’ is more than an art; it is a necessity for those who value a sound mind whilst guaranteeing justice.

Secondly, black bonds! Even if it means adorning it in the sultry the humid weather of southern India’s most popular metropolitan. Nothing defines a lawyer better than the Gown. It separates the powerful from aspirational changemakers. A few rounds around various courtrooms exposed me to its multifaceted cloth draped by those whose middle names include ‘justice’. From shielding a stained white shirt from the public to wiping one’s eyebrow, the gown does it all!

Lastly, the third most crucial element of this universe – the unknown, or as some would say, God! The law is about being prepared for being unprepared. Lost? Believe me, it is what it is. No matter how hard we work towards ensuring the smoothness of procedures, something or rather someone, inevitably alters the course of events. Is there a trick to develop a sixth sense for such instances? Or does one fall on their knees and fold their hands in prayer each time they address the ‘Lords’? Personally, the latter seems most wise. 

Stay tuned for more …