A ‘Quote’ that motivates you?
Advocacy is not about taking sides, it’s about creating understanding.
Can you briefly explain yourself and your experience as an advocate?
I have been practicing since 2000. The main focus area for me is family and criminal cases. Till now the major cases that I have handled are related to dowry, alimony, family conflicts, etc. I work in session court, family court, and civil court. I’m more focused on women’s justice.
What motivated you to pursue a career in law and become an advocate?
My maternal uncle was an advocate and he motivated me to pursue law as my career. Watching him handle legal matter professionally excites me to do the same as a grown-up.
Even now whenever I need advice or suggestions the first person who comes to mind is himself.
What areas of law are you most experienced in or passionate about?
Family and dowry cases.
Family law encompasses legal matters such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence.
Dowry cases, on the other hand, typically involve disputes related to the giving or receiving of dowry during a marriage. These cases can involve legal issues such as dowry harassment, dowry death, and related criminal offenses.
How do you approach legal research and stay updated with changes in legislation or case law?
As a lawyer, there are several approaches you can take to conduct legal research and stay updated with changes in legislation and case law. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Utilize legal databases: Subscribe to reputable legal databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or Bloomberg Law. These platforms provide access to a wide range of legal materials, including statutes, regulations, case law, and secondary sources.
- Start with primary sources: Begin your research by examining primary legal sources, such as statutes and regulations, that are specific to your jurisdiction. This will help you understand the existing legal framework.
- Stay updated with legislation: Monitor legislative developments by subscribing to official government websites, legislative trackers, or legal news platforms. These sources often provide updates on proposed bills, amendments, and changes in legislation.
- Engage in professional networks: Join professional associations, attend legal conferences, and participate in forums or discussion groups. These platforms provide opportunities to network with other legal professionals and stay informed about emerging trends and changes in the legal landscape.
- Consult with colleagues or mentors: Maintain a strong network of colleagues and mentors who can provide guidance and share insights on legal research techniques and staying updated with legal developments.
Remember, legal research is an ongoing process, and it’s crucial to dedicate time regularly to stay updated with changes in legislation and case law that may impact your practice.
How do you prepare for court proceedings, and what strategies do you employ to present a strong case?
- Thoroughly understand the facts: Familiarize yourself with all the relevant facts of the case. Review documents, statements, and evidence provided by your client. Identify key issues, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Research applicable laws and precedents: Conduct comprehensive legal research to understand the relevant laws, statutes, and precedents that apply to your case. This will help you build a strong legal argument and anticipate counterarguments.
- Develop a case strategy: Create a clear and coherent case strategy based on the facts and legal principles involved. Identify your client’s objectives and determine the best approach to achieve them. Consider potential settlement options if applicable.
- Organize your evidence: Compile and organize all the evidence that supports your client’s position. This includes documents, witness statements, expert reports, and any other relevant materials. Create a logical structure to present the evidence effectively.
- Prepare witnesses: If you have witnesses, meet with them in advance to discuss their testimony. Prepare them for potential cross-examination and ensure they understand the key points they need to convey to support your case.
- Anticipate counterarguments: Identify potential counterarguments that opposing counsel may raise. Prepare persuasive responses and gather evidence to refute or undermine those arguments.
- Develop a persuasive narrative: Craft a clear and compelling narrative that presents your client’s perspective and supports your legal arguments. Use persuasive language, storytelling techniques, and visual aids if appropriate.
- Practice courtroom etiquette and demeanor: Familiarize yourself with courtroom procedures, rules of evidence, and decorum. Maintain professionalism, respect, and confidence throughout the proceedings. Practice effective communication and active listening.
- Be prepared for negotiation and settlement: While preparing for court proceedings, it’s essential to consider the possibility of negotiation or settlement. Understand your client’s goals and explore potential avenues for resolving the case outside of court.
- Stay updated with legal developments: Continuously stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and precedents related to family law. This will help you provide accurate and up-to-date information to the court and strengthen your arguments.
Describe your communication skills and how you interact with clients, opposing counsel, and judges.
Communication skills are essential for effective interaction with clients, opposing counsel, and judges. Here’s a breakdown of how these skills are applied in each context:
- Clients:
- Active listening: Actively listen to clients to understand their concerns, objectives, and expectations. Show empathy and create a supportive environment for them to express themselves.
- Clarity and simplicity: Communicate legal concepts and advice in a clear and concise manner, avoiding unnecessary jargon. Ensure clients understand the information you provide.
- Responsiveness: Promptly respond to client inquiries and keep them informed about case developments. Regularly update them on progress, strategies, and potential outcomes.
- Opposing counsel:
- Professionalism and courtesy: Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor when interacting with opposing counsel. Avoid personal attacks or confrontational language.
- Assertiveness: Clearly articulate your positions, arguments, and requests. Stand firm on important issues but remain open to reasonable discussion and negotiation.
- Active listening and diplomacy: Listen attentively to opposing counsel’s arguments and concerns. Respond thoughtfully and diplomatically, seeking common ground where possible.
- Judges:
- Preparedness: Thoroughly prepare your case, legal arguments, and evidence. Present your arguments in a well-organized and coherent manner.
- Respectful demeanor: Show respect towards the judge by addressing them appropriately (e.g., “Your Honor”) and following courtroom etiquette. Maintain a calm and composed demeanor.
- Clarity and conciseness: Clearly and concisely present your arguments, focusing on the key points. Avoid unnecessary repetition or verbosity.
- Compliance with court procedures: Adhere to court rules, procedures, and instructions. Seek permission before presenting evidence or making arguments.
In all interactions, effective communication involves active listening, clarity, professionalism, and adaptability.
How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively to meet deadlines and handle multiple cases simultaneously?
Staying organized and managing time effectively is crucial when handling multiple cases and meeting deadlines. Here are some strategies to help you in this regard:
- Prioritize tasks:.
- Use a calendar or planner:
- Break tasks into smaller steps:
- Create a to-do list:
- Delegate when possible:.
- Set realistic deadlines:
- Eliminate distractions:
- Use technology and productivity tools:
- Time blocking:
- Regularly review and adjust:
Remember, effective time management and organization require discipline and consistency. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.
By staying organized and managing your time effectively, you’ll be better equipped to meet deadlines, maintain a high standard of work, and handle multiple cases simultaneously.
What professional development activities do you engage in to enhance your legal knowledge and skills?
- Advanced Legal Education: Attend advanced legal education programs, specialized courses, or advanced degrees to deepen expertise in specific areas of law.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Seek mentorship from experienced senior advocates or legal professionals who can provide guidance, share insights, and help navigate complex legal issues.
- Writing and Publishing: Contribute articles, legal publications, or scholarly papers to share insights, analysis, and commentary on legal developments and emerging trends.
- Specialized Certifications and Designations: Pursue specialized certifications or designations in areas of expertise such as arbitration, mediation, or specialized practice areas to enhance credibility and skills.
- Technology and Legal Research: Stay updated with advancements in legal technology, including legal research platforms, e-discovery tools, and case management systems, to leverage them effectively in legal practice.
- Stay Informed: Continuously stay updated with changes in legislation, case law, and legal developments through legal publications, news sources, and online resources.
How do you handle stressful situations or high-pressure environments in the legal profession?
Handling stressful situations and high-pressure environments is a crucial aspect of the legal profession.
- Time Management:
- Communication and Collaboration:
- Self-Care:
- Seek Support:
- Set Boundaries:
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If stress becomes unmanageable or affects your mental health, consider seeking professional help from therapists or counselors who can provide guidance and support.
Remember, self-awareness and self-care are essential in managing stress effectively. It’s important to prioritize your well-being to maintain a sustainable and successful legal practice.
This interview was conducted by Saumya Giri, a 2nd year student of Asian Law College, Noida as a part of her Campus Leaders Program at Lawctopus.
Note: This article was first published on December 6, 2023. We have republished it on April 21, 2024.
Source: Lawctopus
