Be upright, advocates told

Justice K M Joseph inaugurated the lawyers enrolment function at the High Court auditorium here on Sunday.

Two hundred and fourty four lawyers, both young and old,  enrolled after taking the customary oath.

“The legal profession is noble and a great responsibility lies ahead of you. Remember that your voice has the power and use it wisely. Don’t make false promises, for the lives of many clients would depend on it,” said Joseph.

He also urged the newly enrolled advocates to work under a senior lawyer for at least five to ten years. “Currently, complaints are on the rise because of the fact that the young  lawyers are embarking on independent practice even before they are prepared for the task.

If they fail to enrol themselves under a senior advocate, the issue can be serious,” he said.

Prior to the lawyers taking their oath, he  added that a lawyer should be equipped with all knowledge under the sun. “Be aware of politics, economics and the history of the land. Know medicine, for you will one day fight a doctor’s case,” Joseph said.

“Deal with your cases wisely. Don’t be aggressive or submissive in the court. Make the judges feel that you know what you are speaking about,” he told the newly inducted lawyers.