Justice Tejas Karia said that real advocacy begins with clear thinking, not dramatic speaking, while addressing young lawyers at the IBA summit in New Delhi. He emphasised discipline, humility, careful listening, and limited dependence on technology in the courtroom.
New Delhi: Delhi High Court judge Justice Tejas Karia on Friday spoke to young lawyers about the real meaning of persuasive advocacy during the International Bar Association’s (IBA) Next Gen Legal Summit held in New Delhi.
He explained that good advocacy comes from strong understanding and clear thinking, not from dramatic speaking or performance.
Justice Karia told the audience that,
“Oral advocacy demands clarity of thought long before clarity of expression … To speak well is an advantage, but to think well is indispensable.”
He stressed that before a lawyer enters the courtroom, they must prepare deeply, understand the facts, and know the law properly.
According to him, advocacy starts with identifying the main issues, choosing the most important points to argue, and predicting the kind of questions the judge or arbitrator may ask. He said that a lawyer must also understand how the court or tribunal looks at the dispute.
For this, the advocate has to read large case files, pick out only the important parts, remove irrelevant details, and organise their arguments in a simple, logical and confident manner.
Justice Karia reminded young lawyers that oral advocacy is not a stage performance. It is a serious intellectual exercise. He said the profession requires strong discipline, honesty, humility and a lifelong commitment to justice.
He highlighted the value of listening inside the courtroom. He observed that,
“A great advocate listens to the judge, the opposing counsel, the witness in the stand and also to the nuances that emerge during the flow of argument.”
Even a single question from a judge, he said, can change the entire direction of a case.
Justice Karia also encouraged young lawyers to be brief and precise. He said that keeping arguments short and focused increases their impact just as much as speaking skills do during a law course.
The summit was organised by the IBA Young Lawyers’ Committee. Co-Vice Chair Pranav Srivastava from Phoenix Legal delivered the welcome remarks before Justice Karia spoke as the Guest of Honour.
While referring to the session on cross-examination, he advised lawyers to be careful about what they ask during questioning. Sharing practical courtroom advice, he said,
“It is very important to know what not to ask. If you get a favorable answer, bank it … An advocate must always remain composed…”
He explained that sometimes the most damaging answers are those that look simple or harmless but completely weaken the other side’s arguments when examined closely.
He further warned the audience that an advocate must maintain complete composure and follow proper court manners at all times. As he put it,
“The advocate must always remain composed, courteous and measured.”
Justice Karia also discussed the use of technology in legal practice. He noted that digital tools are helpful but should not be overused. Since electronic records can be altered and algorithms may be wrong, he cautioned lawyers by saying,
“An advocate must use technology as an aid and not as a crutch.”
He told young lawyers that real growth in the legal field requires patience, good mentors and a stable life. No lawyer becomes successful alone.
As he pointed out,
“No advocate, however talented, becomes accomplished in isolation.”
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He urged them to build mental strength, stay calm under pressure, remain disciplined in their preparation, and show grace whether they win or lose.
Later at the summit, IBA Treasurer Amir Singh Pasricha also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of courtroom behaviour. He said,
“Humility before the judge is something that wins you that court.”
Advocate Arush Khanna of Numen Law Offices concluded the event by delivering the vote of thanks.
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