So, you want to argue for a living, read Supreme Court Counsel Floyd Gracias’ written submissions
Floyd Gracias is Counsel, Supreme Court of India, Advocate Bombay High Court and propreitor Lex
Gracias. He is also an author. His aspirations include pursuing a Doctorate in Sociology and Law.
How demanding is the workload for young lawyers?
This purely depends on the Firm or Advocate one joins. At our office we try to maintain a balance.
Is it true that the early years in law often involve long hours with little financial reward?
As you rightly pointed out, the initial years in any profession are relatively more difficult. Since professions require a high level of knowledge, the knowledge building process takes time and effort.
Do you think there are too many law graduates compared to the opportunities available?
Yes, the number of graduates are drastically on the rise and with the larger majority, the knowledge they possess is often inadequate for them to secure good placements. The vacancies have not rises proportionately.
How challenging is it to find a stable job?
For one, there are fewer jobs, lesser opportunities and the lack of adequate marketable skills in candidates makes it difficult for them to secure the few good jobs that are available.
Is the profession more about paperwork than the exciting courtroom battles?
There is nothing of such sort. Yes, everyone does start with research and drafting and then progresses onto arguments. The issue is arguments and court practice require knowledge and confidence, which evolves with experience. It’s what most advocates, barring a few exceptions, would have gone through.
How much stress comes with handling high-stakes cases ?
As much as we say that we are not personally involved in matters and only consider them professionally, there is always a certain pressure to deliver.
Do you feel the legal system can be frustrating for idealistic young lawyers?
I would beg to differ on that and most young lawyers also are comfortable with the system. There are exceptions who want things in a click of a button, this would be an unrealistic expectation for any advocate, young or otherwise, considering the load on the system.
How difficult is it to stay ethical in a profession where there is pressure to bend rules or please powerful clients?
I have never faced such a problem. The ethics to the profession is always of paramount concern. As an officer of the law and the Courts, it is imperative to understand that the system is larger than any client and being true to a system is what upholds the system. This does not mean that you take your client for granted or fail to deliver, in so far as the expectations of the client are within the ambit of the law.
Have you seen colleagues leave the profession because it didn’t match their expectations or values?
Not really.
If a student’s main aim is money, status, or quick success, is law a good option?
Law, being a noble profession, is a long-term growth plan. You cannot emerge successful overnight. So, if someone is interested in instant results, then Law is certainly not the best place. Your growth is directly proportional to your knowledge. So the faster you build knowledge, the faster you move up the ladder.
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