By Anumeha Singhai, Arbitration Counsel
As a fresh graduate of law, and enthusiast, to start my litigation career, it was quite a heart wrenching moment of realisation; the nation was under lockdown and everything was at a stand-still. Amidst the fear of coronavirus, the fear of having my career and opportunities at stake was overwhelming. It was a beginning to a challenging path.
Fogged by lack of experience and expertise, which is a very predictable phenomenon among fresh law graduates, my mind was scattered all over the internet aiming to not miss a single opportunity. If you are one among them who believes and has learnt ‘slow and steady wins the race’, know that with litigation as your career path it would only hold true when your competitor is sleeping.
It was not that I was oblivion of the competitiveness my choices brought with themselves but the true realisation of the nature of the competitiveness was brought by existing in the legal industry of the Capital. It was here I knew that waiting was surely not the path to tread on. Where the competitors are fully alert and striving towards the same objective, it is important to be proactive. Having moved to a new city and experiencing a very different courtroom tradition, I was perplexed and would often approach the senior members of the Bar to seek guidance.
It was during these interactions that I recognised a more efficient and time saving route to achieve my goals, the ‘5K Rule of Litigation’. With these tools and a proactive mindset, I am confident that any young lawyer can succeed in this highly competitive field.
Knowledge of the law: A deep and comprehensive knowledge of the law, including both substantive and procedural law.
Knowledge of latest developments of law: Ability to stay up-to-date on the latest legal developments and understanding of the applications of legal principles.
Knowledge of the legal system: A thorough understanding of the legal system, including court rules, procedures, and protocols.
Knowledge of legal strategy: To develop and execute effective legal strategies that take into account the unique circumstances of each case.
Knowledge of specialized areas of law: Specialized knowledge in certain areas of law, such as intellectual property, tax law or employment law.
As I reflect on my own journey, I am grateful for the experiences and interactions which helped me to develop a deeper understanding of the ‘5K Rule of Litigation’. These rules have become an invaluable asset in my own practice, allowing me to navigate the complexities of the legal field with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
To any young lawyer starting out on their own journey, I offer my own experience as proof that success is attainable with the right tools and mindset. While there will undoubtedly be challenges and setbacks along the way, I am confident that by embracing the ‘5K Rule of Litigation’, you too can achieve your goals and make an impact in the legal field.
email – anumeha.singhai.14@gmail.com
Shubham Gaur
Very lucidly explained! Informative!