Justice B V Nagarathna Urges Young Lawyers To Focus On Integrity, Patience Over Social Media Validation

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 22nd edition of the K K Luthra Memorial Moot Court Competition in Delhi on February 15, Justice Nagarathna addressed law students on the realities of building a meaningful legal career. Her remarks sought to dismantle common myths about success in the profession while cautioning young lawyers against the culture of constant comparison driven by social media platforms.

Justice Nagarathna stressed that the making of a lawyer depends less on visible milestones and more on values such as humility, perseverance and respect for the institution of the court. “I implore you to cultivate respect and unflinching obedience in your duties towards the court,” she said.

Acknowledging that many students entering the profession today often hear that law is overcrowded and opportunities are shrinking, Justice Nagarathna reassured the participants that the profession still offers space for those committed to the craft.

“It is important to remember that despite the prevailing narrative that the law as a field is ‘over-saturated’ and that success is hard to come by for anyone except the already established, I would say each and every single one of you has a place in the legal profession and is capable of finding sufficient opportunities,” she said.

“When you are assured of your own belonging and the validity of your ambitions, free of self-doubt and self-deprecation, even the systemic challenges become one that can be worked on, worked around and worked through,” she added.

Highlighting the long and gradual process through which professional excellence develops, Justice Nagarathna observed that success in the legal profession cannot be measured through instant recognition or early achievements.

“Great lawyers are not born but are forged through every exam they pass, moot court they may participate in and questions they ask in class,” she said.

She noted that distinguished lawyers are defined by qualities such as patience, the ability to handle losing a case, tolerance for delays and inconveniences, a willingness to learn from seniors and peers, and readiness to help juniors in the profession.

Reflecting on the pressures faced by law students today, Justice Nagarathna also cautioned against the anxiety generated by constant comparison with peers, particularly through social media platforms such as LinkedIn.

“With the proliferation of platforms like LinkedIn, where there is mostly exaggeration, it may feel like nothing you do can ever measure up to the constant announcements of accomplishments and availing opportunities by others. In such times, it helps to remind yourself that progress is not linear, and that some of the seemingly futile endeavours you engage in today may actually pay off in unexpected ways in the future,” she said.

The Supreme Court judge also spoke about the ethical responsibilities that lawyers owe to their clients and to the justice system. She emphasised that young practitioners must act with dignity and respect, refuse to resort to illegal or improper means, and adhere to constitutional methods of advocacy.

Justice Nagarathna highlighted that lawyers must provide competent representation, maintain confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest and communicate effectively with their clients.

Encouraging law students to adopt a socially responsible approach to the profession, she urged them to take up legal aid and pro bono work. Such cases, she said, may not offer financial rewards or public recognition but play a crucial role in improving access to justice.

Justice Nagarathna also underscored the role of moot court competitions in preparing students for real-world legal practice.

“While a moot court competition may formally have a certain set of winners amongst all participants, I am hopeful that all of you would still affirm that your mere participation is meaningful,” she said.

“The importance of such an exercise cannot be overstated. In a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world that you are set to enter as lawyers, mere academic knowledge of the law, as learnt in a classroom setting, cannot adequately prepare you for the legal profession. This gap is actively bridged by participation in activities such as moot court competitions, where students are given the opportunity to hone their critical thinking, reading, writing and speaking abilities,” she added.