SHILLONG, July 24: Aspiring advocates should resist the urge to begin their careers in constitutional courts and instead gain experience where litigation truly begins—the trial courts, former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay Shrinivas Oka said on Friday while interacting with students at the National Law University (NLU) Meghalaya.
Delivering a special lecture at the university, Justice Oka said the formative years of a lawyer’s career are best spent in trial courts, where practitioners acquire practical knowledge of civil and criminal litigation, courtroom procedure, the law of evidence, advocacy, witness examination and client management.
He said such experience provides a strong professional foundation that cannot be substituted by directly practising in higher courts.
The former top court judge observed that working in trial courts also enables young lawyers to earn the confidence of senior advocates and colleagues, helping them build professional networks that often shape future opportunities in the legal profession.
Speaking on professional values, Justice Oka said integrity and competence are the defining qualities of a successful advocate.
He stressed that a lawyer’s credibility is built through ethical conduct, diligence and consistently delivering quality legal services rather than by the court in which one practises.
He also encouraged students to explore careers in the judiciary, saying judicial service offers both institutional independence and financial stability while providing an opportunity to protect the rule of law and contribute to society.
Justice Oka noted that the legal profession today extends well beyond courtroom practice, with graduates finding opportunities in law firms, corporate legal departments, academia, legal research, public policy and the civil services.
He then urged students to remain committed to lifelong learning as the profession continues to evolve.
Referring to emerging trends, he said legal research and academic scholarship would play an increasingly important role in strengthening India’s legal system.
Justice Oka also highlighted the growing significance of alternative dispute resolution, legal technology and innovation in meeting the changing demands of the profession.
The lecture concluded with an interactive discussion on litigation, judicial service and career development.
The programme was attended by Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Kerpa Meida Lyngdoh Nongbri, Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Baharul Islam, faculty members and students.
According to NLU Meghalaya, the lecture was organised to give students an opportunity to interact with eminent jurists and deepen their academic and professional understanding.
