6th September, 2026 afternoon marked a quiet but significant milestone in my thirty-plus years at the Bar. I had the privilege of meeting The Hon’ble The Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in Chambers to present a copy of my recently published work, “Advocate and Advocacy: The Skill – A Dip into the Ocean.
When I set out to write this book—now available in print through C. Sitaraman & Co. and EBC, as well as on Kindle and hard copy in Amazon—the goal was simple: to codify the operational realities of chamber practice, drafting, and ethics for junior advocates stepping into court.
Presenting the work to the head of our institution was a gesture of respect toward the Bench and the tradition of our Bar. What made the brief interaction truly memorable, however, was the timeless rule of advocacy His Lordship shared during our conversation:
“When the court is with you, don’t talk. Many don’t do that.”
In those few words lies one of the hardest lessons for a practicing lawyer to master. Advocacy is not merely about speaking well; it is equally about knowing when to stop. When a judge has understood your proposition and the Bench is leaning in your favor, adding unnecessary arguments only opens doors for fresh doubts or counter-arguments. Brevity and situational awareness remain an advocate’s sharpest tools.Yhere was a second, equally vital observation His Lordship shared regarding the long-term journey of a trial lawyer:
“Represent your case before the court and leave. Do not take it personally.”
This principle touches on the core of professional longevity at the Bar—emotional detachment – do not identify with the client.
As advocates, our duty is to present our client’s cause with absolute vigour, skill, and fidelity while on our legs. However, once the hearing concludes, a mature practitioner must learn to step away without carrying the emotional weight or anxiety of the matter out of the courtroom.
Involving oneself personally in a brief clouds objective judgment and leads to early burnout. Mastering the art of fighting hard in court while maintaining quiet detachment outside it is perhaps an advocates greatest shield.
The warm reception of the book and His Lordship’s encouragement reinforce my belief that sharing practical courtroom nuances is one of the most meaningful ways experienced advocates can contribute to the future of the Bar.
