Category Archives: Uncategorized

Learning from briefs discarded by other lawyers – Eklavya Method of learning

Standard

In 1990, when I shifted from High Court to practise in Supreme Court, I had no mentors, no seniors. I still did not know how to draft different types matters and applications.

One day I told my clerk to help me by finding out case paperbooks which may have been discarded and thrown away by other lawyers. After cases are finished, many lawyers used to discard their paperbooks.

He brought me some paper books thrown away by some lawyers after their cases were over.

From these discarded paperbooks, l learned how other lawyers were drafting their cases. Gradually I learned drafting of such cases.

I think this is a perfect example of Eklavya Method of learning. I still remember those paperbooks and also remember the clerk who brought me these discarded paperbooks.

#inspiration #india #law #legaleducation #drafting #supremecourt #highcourt

Grappling with obstacles as a first generation lawyer – A simple mind mapping method with pen and paper.

Standard

Grappling with obstacles as a first generation lawyer – A simple mind mapping method with pen and paper.

I remember to have used this mind mapping method for many days and months during 1982 to 1986 when I was practicing in District Court.

I would take a blank sheet of paper and would draw a small circle with pen. In the middle of circle, I would write H. That would represent me. Then around this circle, I would draw different circles and in each circle I would write one of the obstacles which I could see. For example lack of background, language problem, geographical disadvantage, financial difficulties, etc.

Then I would look at the paper and would wonder “What can I still do? What are my options?”

Then I would write down options which I could see. For example, “I can increase my knowledge”, “I can make more friends”, “I can try to earn respects of Seniors in Bar” ….. Etc.

This would start me on one of the options. I would throw away this paper and next day, I would repeat this exercise on another sheet of paper and so on.