Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, recently raised concerns over the growing trend of young lawyers abandoning litigation for corporate roles or managerial positions. Speaking at a felicitation event organized by the Bar Council of India (BCI), he stressed the urgent need to ensure financial and social security for entry-level professionals in the legal field.
The CJI observed, “While corporate roles have their merits, we must ask whether we are failing to guide young lawyers toward public interest work. Who will represent the common citizens in the future?”
Addressing Structural Challenges in Litigation
The CJI highlighted the challenges faced by first-generation lawyers, including inadequate financial and social support, as key reasons behind this exodus. He emphasized the need to introduce structural reforms to attract young talent to litigation, including setting minimum remuneration standards.
Applauding the BCIās recent recommendation for stipends or minimum remuneration for young advocates, he remarked, “This step can enable young lawyers to sustain the early years of practice and provide them with informed career choices rather than defaulting to corporate paths.”
Bar Council of Indiaās Role in Ensuring Sustainability
Justice Khanna urged the BCI to address accessibility and sustainability gaps in the profession. He emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for young professionals and ensuring conducive work conditions to encourage their participation in litigation.
Expanding Horizons of Legal Practice
Highlighting the evolving scope of legal practice, the CJI encouraged young lawyers to specialize in emerging fields such as Arbitration, Intellectual Property Rights, Insolvency Law, and niche areas within criminal and civil law. He remarked, “This intricate landscape calls for cultivating expertise in these areas.”
Six Key Contributions of Lawyers
The CJI outlined six crucial roles lawyers play in the legal system:
- Upholding the Rule of Law
Lawyers act as a bridge between citizens and the judiciary, representing societal grievances in courts.
“You connect citizens to judges; you are the face and spokesperson for anyone seeking justice,” the CJI stated. - Shaping Legal Interpretation
By assisting the judiciary, lawyers contribute to holistic interpretations of laws and statutory provisions. Quoting Justice H.R. Khanna, he said, “Judges shine in reflected glory; many judgments reveal the brilliance of counsel who argued the case.” - Building the Bench
Stressing the importance of a qualitative bar, the CJI remarked, “The better the bar, the better the judges.” - Fostering Democratic Representation
Diverse perspectives brought by lawyers enrich democratic representation and ensure a broader understanding of social and political challenges. - Practical Justice Delivery
The bar provides the bench with practical insights into the lived experiences of litigants, ensuring justice is not an isolated academic exercise. - Maintaining Checks and Balances
Advocates hold the judiciary accountable while fulfilling their designated roles in the justice system. The CJI clarified that this accountability should not be mistaken as confrontation.
Call for Service and Social Responsibility
The CJI concluded his address by underscoring the importance of service in the legal profession. Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he remarked, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” He urged young lawyers to dedicate themselves to public interest work and contribute to a progressive society.
The speech reflected a strong commitment to making the legal profession more inclusive and sustainable, ensuring that the next generation remains rooted in the principles of justice and public service.
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