As a newly minted lawyer, I had the privilege of meeting Dinesh Mathur, Senior Advocate. With a twinkle in his eye, he humorously explained a lawyer’s professional journey in four distinct phases. The initial phase of a legal career is often characterized by an absence of both work and income. In phase two, work is abundant and no income. The third phase marks a period of substantial work and money. And the final phase, he chuckled, ‘my phase—no work and lots of money.’ As a young lawyer, I had taken this quite literally, but as I grew in years in the profession, I realized that the fourth quadrant of one’s legal career meant that one had amassed so much knowledge over the years that one could draw from the repository of one’s knowledge bank. However, this does not mean that a lawyer who has spent over forty to fifty years at the bar no longer experiences the enormity of the demand on their time.
The hypocrisy in the discourse surrounding lawyers’ earnings is compelling. The negative connotations associated with the substantial earnings of legal professionals, outside the fraternity, could perhaps be explained by a profound lack of understanding of the gruelling nature of the profession. Therefore, it is perhaps incumbent on us to educate the public that our fees are deserved, and reflective of a highly skilled profession that warrants fair compensation. It is incumbent upon us to champion the nobility of our work and to disavow the damaging stereotypes perpetuated by lawyer jokes, which undervalue the genuine service provided by our profession.
The ability of a ‘one-man army’ to earn this kind of money should serve as an inspiration and aspiration for society at large. The fee schedule is a testament to the pinnacle of professional success attained after years of hard work, unwavering dedication, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. The financial remuneration of legal professionals, particularly those at the zenith of their careers, should serve as a recognition of legitimately earned monies and a well-deserved reflection of their contribution to clients, to the advancement of law, and the protection of the rule of law.
Markets are a question of demand and supply. Our profession is no different. Those who seek the expertise of a particular counsel do so with the complete understanding that the costs incurred are commensurate with the quality of representation provided. The choice to engage a particular lawyer is driven by the recognition of their skill, experience, and the unique value they bring to the table. The premium they command is an affirmation of excellence.
Source: Barandbench
