Paper code-706 B.A.LL.B.(Hons.

THE SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY

CLINICAL PAPER SUBMISSION-2

Submitted to: Submitted By:

Mr. Navneet Krishna Himadri Badoni

Asst. Prof. R.No. 2001037

DBRANLU Section A

Submitted on- 30th October, 2023.

Paper code-706 B.A.LL.B.(Hons.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1

SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY................................................................................................... 1

I. The Lamp Of Honesty ..................................................................................................... 1

II. The Lamp Of Courage ................................................................................................. 3

III. The Lamp Of Industry ................................................................................................. 3

IV. The Lamp Of Wit ......................................................................................................... 4

V. The lamp of eloquence .................................................................................................... 4

VI. The Lamp Of Judgement ............................................................................................. 5

VII. The Lamp Of Fellowship ............................................................................................. 5

APPLICATION OF SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY IN LIFE.......................................................... 6

CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 7
Paper code-706 B.A.LL.B.(Hons.)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my gratitude towards my professor, Mr. Navneet Krishna, for assigning us this
project. While working on the assignment, I developed a better understanding of the ethos of
the legal profession. It taught me the dos and don’ts of being a good and honest lawyer.

I am also grateful to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor and my parents for providing me with
adequate means to complete this project on time.

Sincerely

Himadri Badoni
Paper code-706 B.A.LL.B.(Hons.)

INTRODUCTION

Advocacy is one of the most respectable professions today. And, advocates are the pillars of
the justice system. Without them, the whole judicial machinery may fall apart. However, like
every other profession, the legal profession also mandates certain ethics. These ethics are to be
necessarily followed by legal professionals, especially advocates, in order to maintain the
justice delivery system.

Ethics has been derived from the Latin word ethicus and the Greek word, ethos, which means
differentiating between right and wrong. Under professional ethics, lawyers must follow an
unwritten code of conduct to properly fulfil their duties. In India, the Advocates Act1 regulates
the conduct of advocates at the bar.

“Advocacy is not a craft but a calling; a profession wherein devotion to duty constitutes the
hallmark. Sincerity of performance and the earnestness of endeavour are the two wings that
will bare aloft the advocate to the tower of success. Given these virtues, other qualifications
will follow of their own account. This is the reason why the legal profession is regarded as a
noble one.”2

SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY

Justice Edward Abbot Parry, has authored an admirable book namely, “The Seven Lamps of
Advocacy”. This book lays down the seven essential principles of advocacy that every legal
practitioner must inculcate in his life. These principles are also the guiding towards success in
the legal profession. The book highlights the following seven lamps of advocacy:

I. The Lamp Of Honesty

Honesty, integrity, and character are fundamental qualities for any successful advocate.
These virtues play a crucial role in ensuring that the legal profession maintains its reputation
and the trust of the public. They are as follows:

1
The Advocates Act, 1961, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 1961.
2
J.S. Jadhav v. Mustafa Haji Mohamad Yusuf, AIR 1993 SC 1535.

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Straightforwardness: Honesty entails being straightforward in all dealings. Advocates

must provide truthful and accurate information to their clients, judges, and opposing parties.
This includes disclosing any potential conflicts of interest and the strengths and weaknesses
of the client’s case.

Freedom from Deceit: Advocates must avoid deceitful tactics, such as presenting false
evidence or making misleading statements in court. Deceit can lead to severe consequences,
including disbarment.

Avoiding Cheating and Stealing: Honesty extends to financial matters. Advocates should
not cheat or steal from their clients or engage in fraudulent billing practices. Maintaining
trust in financial transactions is essential for the attorney-client relationship.

Not Telling Lies: Truthfulness is the bedrock of an advocate’s credibility. Advocates are
officers of the court and must maintain the highest level of truthfulness when presenting
cases, witness testimonies, or legal arguments. Falsifying evidence or lying in court can have
severe legal and ethical repercussions.

Abraham Lincoln is often cited as an example of a legal professional who adhered to

“perverse honesty”. This term refers to his unwavering commitment to honesty, even when
it was not in his immediate self-interest. Lincoln's reputation for integrity and his refusal to
compromise on ethical principles contributed significantly to his success as a lawyer and
later as a statesman.

Professional Misconduct: Advocates should refrain from any act that would amount to
professional misconduct. This includes unethical behaviour such as divulging client
confidences, engaging in conflicts of interest, or attempting to obstruct the course of justice.
The legal profession relies on strict ethical standards to maintain its integrity.

Essential for Success: Honesty, integrity, and character are essential for the success of an
advocate. Clients rely on their attorneys to act in their best interests, and trust is a cornerstone
of this relationship. Advocates with a reputation for honesty are more likely to attract clients
and maintain their trust, leading to a successful legal practice.

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II. The Lamp Of Courage

Courage is an essential quality for advocates, giving them the strength to vigorously
represent their clients in the face of challenges. It is the ability to control fear when dealing
with danger or adversity. Advocates have a duty to uphold their client’s interests, even in
the face of opposition or potential consequences. Knowledge and skill bolster an advocate's
courage, as a well-prepared advocate is more confident. In the legal arena, courage is as
crucial as in a battle, as advocates engage in intellectual combat. Boldness is the primary
requirement for advocates, allowing them to challenge norms and advocate effectively.
Moreover, courage is necessary when facing ethical dilemmas, where personal values may
conflict with client interests, requiring principled decisions or even case withdrawal.

III. The Lamp Of Industry

Through the lamp of advocacy, the author throws light upon the following points:

• Acting like an Actor: Just as actors thoroughly prepare for their roles, advocates
must deeply understand their cases and legal issues to present them persuasively.
• Hard Work-Vital: Advocates need to work tirelessly; success is often directly
related to the effort put in.
• Being updated with Legal Knowledge: The legal field constantly evolves, so
advocates must stay up-to-date to offer effective legal advice.
• Studying the Latest Law Methodically: Advocates should systematically study
new laws and developments through legal publications and education programs.
• Consequences of Ignoring the Law: Neglecting the law can lead to ineffective
representation and harm clients’ interests.
• Law’s Demanding Nature: The legal profession demands full commitment and
unwavering effort.
• Living Like a Hermit, Working Like a Horse: Advocates are expected to lead
disciplined lives and exert intense effort for success.
• Intellectual Demands of Advocacy: Advocacy requires critical thinking, strategic
planning, and persuasive communication; intelligence and knowledge are honed
through dedicated work for navigating complex legal challenges.

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IV. The Lamp Of Wit

Wit is clever and humorously expressed ideas that stem from intelligence, understanding,
and quick thinking. It can reduce the workload for an advocate. However, it often leads to
frequent clashes between wit and the need for a lawyer to secure a favourable verdict, as
well as the judges' ongoing concern for the pursuit of truth. This constant tension results
from lawyers' anxiety about winning cases and judges' commitment to seeking the truth.

V. The lamp of eloquence

Eloquence plays a pivotal role in the success of an advocate. It involves the ability to speak
fluently and skillfully, using language to persuade and appeal to the emotions of others.
The art of eloquence is essential for advocates, as it greatly influences the outcome of their
cases.
• Fluent Speaking and Court Impression: Fluent speaking is a powerful tool
for advocates. It not only conveys information effectively but also leaves a lasting
impression on the court, the judge, and the jury. A lawyer who can express themselves
clearly and convincingly is more likely to win over their audience.
• Appropriate Word Selection: Eloquence involves the skillful use of language.
An advocate must choose their words carefully to convey their arguments and persuade
effectively. The choice of words can significantly impact how the case is perceived and
received by the court.
• Attracting Attention: Eloquence has the ability to captivate the listener. When
an advocate speaks eloquently, it not only communicates the legal points but also engages
the attention of the audience, making it easier to convey the essence of the case and make
a lasting impression.
• Related to the Art of Oratory: Eloquence is closely related to the art of oratory.
Oratory is the skill of public speaking, and eloquence is a fundamental component of this
skill. A persuasive and engaging presentation of arguments can be a defining factor in the
courtroom.
• Physical and Psychological Aspects: Eloquence isn't just about the words
spoken but also the manner in which they are delivered. Effective speaking involves both
a physical and psychological dimension. It's not just what you say but also how you say it,
including body language and tone of voice.
• The Power of Words: Words are the advocate's primary tools for conveying
thoughts and arguments. A strong vocabulary provides confidence and enhances an

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advocate's self-assuredness. The right words can help build an advocate's personality and
credibility.
• Persuasive and Impressive Speaking: The ultimate goal of eloquence is to be
persuasive and impressive. An advocate's ability to present their case in a compelling and
memorable manner can significantly influence the outcome in their favour.

VI. The Lamp Of Judgement

An advocate must possess the ability to distinguish right from wrong and make sound
judgments about the merits of a case. They are obligated to provide clients with accurate
legal information and avoid misleading them. Judgment, in this context, is seen as an
intellectual capacity, allowing a person to turn good sense into proper action. It involves
the skill to reach sensible conclusions and make wise decisions promptly and appropriately.
Based on these conclusions, an advocate should employ the necessary facts and techniques
in handling a case, a requirement that applies from the initial filing of the case to its ultimate
resolution.

Throughout the legal process, advocates must anticipate and be prepared for potential
actions from the opposing side. This necessitates the development of qualities like presence
of mind, alertness, and tact to effectively handle any challenging or difficult situations that
may arise in the case. Justice Abbot Parry has described judgment as one of the seven
essential qualities, emphasizing its role as an intellectual capacity that inspires individuals
to translate common sense into the right course of action, such as recognizing the key
aspects of their case.

VII. The Lamp Of Fellowship

This concept pertains to the idea of friendly association and companionship. Even though
advocates are opposing parties in court, they are not adversaries or enemies towards each
other. It's essential for them to maintain positive relationships with their fellow advocates.
In the legal profession, advocates engage in legal battles against one another to seek justice
before the judge. While there may be disputes and contradictions in their arguments related
to a case, this should never harm their sense of companionship.

Advocates should refer to the opposing party's advocate as a “Learned Friend,” and the
judge should be addressed as the “Learned Judge” to maintain this spirit of amicable
association. To uphold this sense of fellowship, the Bar Council of India has established
specific rules that advocates must follow as their duty to colleagues.

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Among advocates, one can find a similar camaraderie, a shared ardour of character, and a
common expression of public opinion, often in a straightforward and unmistakable manner.
By keeping this bond of fellowship strong, advocates support one another by sharing
knowledge and walking together in the pursuit of justice using the principles of advocacy.

APPLICATION OF SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY IN LIFE

The seven lamps of advocacy will help me in the following manner:

1. Lamp of Honesty: The lamp of advocacy will allow me not to deceive my client. I shall
disclose to him all the circumstances pertaining to his case. As a legal professional, I
shall not take money from my client on the false promise of getting him a win when the
chances are grim. I shall only ask for fees to the extent of the actual work done. I shall
also maintain secrecy about my client’s case in all circumstances.
2. Lamp of Courage: I plan on courageously fighting my client’s case. I wish to inculcate
qualities like fearless Palkhiwala and Jethmalani who used to focus on their work and
no other distractions. There are n number of distractions when it comes to a novice.
Factors like less experience or fighting against a senior advocate may seem daunting,
however, I shall not let them come my way.
3. Lamp of Industry: I plan on keeping myself fit to industry standards. For the past year,
I have tried keeping myself updated with the legal developments by regularly reading
livelaw digests and shall continue to do the same. I shall work hard to carve a niche for
myself in the profession and live like a hermit while working like a horse.
4. Lamp of Wit: The lamp of wit has taught me that it is not necessary to be serious all the
time. We can get work done by being smart as well.
5. Lamp of Eloquence: The lamp of eloquence has taught me the importance of giving
attention to detail. Small things like choosing the correct vocabulary, correct
presentation, dressing smart and being fluent play a pivotal role in how the judge sees
you. Thus, I shall work on these extra qualities in order to deliver my best possible
arguments.
6. Lamp of Judgement: This has taught me to not mislead my client. I shall apply the
necessary techniques while handling my case.
7. Lamp of Fellowship: This has taught me to maintain a healthy relationship with my
fellow lawyers. This profession is a family of legal professionals and all of us go

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through similar ups and downs. Thus, it is necessary to see all the professionals as
friends and not maintain enmity with them.

CONCLUSION

The Seven Lamps of Advocacy is a book that every legal practitioner must read. It gives
valuable insights into the code of conduct as a lawyer. It is helpful not only for budding lawyers
but also for the ones already practising. Further, these lamps are not only a guiding light for
lawyers but for other professions as well. They are basic ethos that every professional must
follow and inculcate.

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