On November 16, 2024, LawChakra hosted a compelling webinar titled “How to Kick Start Your Career as a Lawyer”, aimed at equipping law students and young advocates with essential guidance for navigating the initial stages of their legal careers. The session was truly enlightening, featuring Senior Advocate Narender Hooda, who shared his extensive knowledge and invaluable experiences. His practical insights provided budding lawyers with actionable strategies to embark on a successful and rewarding journey in the legal profession.
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“The legal profession is one where you start small, but the sky is truly the limit. A good lawyer not only earns substantial money but also garners immense respect throughout. Along the way, you form many friendships—clients you represent in court often become friends for life. This career allows you to interact with a wide variety of people, witnessing their life journeys, the mistakes they make, and the consequences they face. Such exposure gives invaluable life lessons early on”
“Becoming a lawyer means committing to being a lifelong student of the law. It is a continuous journey of learning, as no one can ever claim to know all there is about the law. With time and consistent practice, your ability to analyze legal provisions and interpret court judgments sharpens significantly. This is what makes the journey of practicing law both enriching and transformative”
The esteemed guest speaker for the evening, Senior Advocate Narender Hooda, is a revered name in India’s legal community. A graduate of the Law Department, Punjab University, Chandigarh, in 1995, Mr. Hooda quickly made a mark in the legal world, beginning his career at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where his skills and dedication were immediately recognized. By the age of 40, he became one of the youngest first-generation lawyers to be designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court, a testament to his exceptional legal acumen and commitment to justice.
Mr. Hooda’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From 2009 to 2014, he served as the Senior Additional Advocate General of Haryana, where he played a pivotal role in representing the state’s interests before the Supreme Court. His involvement in landmark cases, such as defending students in the NEET case to prevent cheating, advocating for the inclusion of Indian lawyers in the Consumer Protection Act, and championing women’s rights in the Supreme Court to ensure the registration of FIRs, highlights his dedication to upholding justice and equality.
Beyond individual cases, Mr. Hooda has represented several prominent government organizations, including the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and MMTC, showcasing his deep understanding of both the legal and business sectors. His multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication make him a true role model for aspiring advocates.
For young lawyers seeking inspiration, Mr. Hooda’s journey offers an invaluable roadmap—one that demonstrates how to carve out a niche in the competitive legal field and how consistent hard work, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of justice can lead to tremendous success. His career is a shining example of what young advocates can achieve when they remain focused and committed to their craft.
During the session, Mr. Hooda also shared insights such as which field of law to choose from and said,
“When you begin your journey as a lawyer, it is often the clients and the cases you handle that shape your specialization, making it too early to decide on a specific field like corporate law, which may seem glamorous but is better understood through actual experience”
Particularly for first generation lawyers, Mr. Hooda , suggested ,
“The best way to start your legal career is by joining the office of an established practicing lawyer, as law school primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge and does not expose you to the practical application of legal provisions in real-life situations , which can only be truly understood through hands-on experience in court”
He elaborated further, emphasizing that,
“The office of a senior serves as the cradle where you begin to find your footing in the legal profession. It is essential to choose your senior carefully, as they leave a lasting impression on your style, approach, and professionalism, observing how your senior prepares cases, argues in court, and handles proceedings shapes your own practice. Many young lawyers adopt their senior’s style of argument, mannerisms, and courtroom etiquette, underscoring the importance of mentorship in shaping your journey as a lawyer.”
It is often said that mentorship leaves an indelible mark on the journey to becoming a successful lawyer.
IMPORTANT INSIGHTS
1. Value of Court Proceedings
- The speaker acknowledged that not all young lawyers have the privilege of working under a distinguished senior.
- He emphasized the immense value of attending court proceedings to witness the practical functioning of the legal system.
- By observing lawyers argue cases and judges interpret statutes and deliver judgments, young advocates can gain unparalleled insights into the practical workings of the legal system.
2. Mastering Core Skills
- The speaker highlighted the critical importance of mastering essential legal skills such as research, drafting, and legal language.
- He advised young lawyers to read at least one judgment daily.
- This practice not only enhances familiarity with legal terminology but also serves as a guide for drafting and understanding case law.
- He asserted that these practices form the cornerstone for building a strong and successful legal career.
3. Importance of Pro Bono Work
- The speaker recommended that young lawyers, irrespective of whether they begin their career in a district court, high court, or Supreme Court, should consider applying for pro bono work.
- He emphasized that judges are more likely to listen attentively to young lawyers handling pro bono cases.
- Pro bono opportunities play a significant role in helping young lawyers gain valuable experience and build a strong professional reputation.
4. Client Handling Skills
- Client handling was another crucial topic discussed during the session.
- The speaker stressed the importance of openly discussing both the strengths and weaknesses of a case with clients.
- He assured that while there may be challenges, there are often favorable aspects that can be pursued.
- He further emphasized the importance of exuding confidence in the case, noting that clients are more likely to trust lawyers who demonstrate self-assurance in their ability to succeed.
- Lastly, he underlined the critical role of empathy in building a trusting relationship with clients.
- He explained that showing empathy creates a connection, which is key to fostering a long-term professional bond.
5. Work-Life Balance and Healthy Habits
- During the session, the speaker addressed the concerns of students and young advocates about managing the demands of the profession.
- He underscored the importance of cultivating a healthy work-life balance in the legal profession.
- Highlighting the significance of good habits, he emphasized the critical role of proper sleep, nutrition, and reading in maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.
- He stressed that lawyers must prioritize six to eight hours of sleep to perform at their peak, pointing out that these habits are essential for long-term success in the field.
Conclusively, the speaker expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity to share his insights. He reinforced that building a successful legal career goes beyond technical knowledge; it requires unwavering dedication, hard work, and integrity. He urged students to focus on gaining practical experience, developing healthy habits, and fostering a mindset of continuous growth and learning. His session served as an inspiring call to action, reminding aspiring legal professionals of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their journey.
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