Entering the courtroom for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience for any new lawyer. It’s a rite of passage filled with inevitable mishaps, humorous blunders, and invaluable lessons. To commemorate these formative experiences, I reached out to my circle of litigation colleagues and compiled a collection of memorable first-time courtroom anecdotes.
1. The Hierarchy Misstep
A young advocate was tasked with requesting a straightforward passover before a Supreme Court bench. Armed with the instruction to say, “my senior is on his legs in another courtroom,” the advocate was overwhelmed by the Supreme Court’s atmosphere. In a moment of honesty, he mistakenly informed the bench, “my senior is on his legs in the NCLT.” This newcomer to the legal profession soon learned the importance of understanding forum hierarchy. — A 23-year-old advocate assisting a prominent criminal lawyer in Delhi.
2. The Kneeling Advocate
During a Supreme Court session, a towering 6ft+ advocate knelt to receive whispered instructions from his senior. Observing this, the judge humorously inquired, “Counsel, are you being knighted?” — The 34-year-old senior, a renowned criminal lawyer, recounts this light-hearted moment.
3. The Literal Interpretation
At the Punjab and Haryana High Court, a young counsel requested additional time, explaining that his senior was “on his legs.” Upon further inquiry, the counsel amusingly clarified that the senior was walking from his car, thus technically on his legs. — A 25-year-old visiting advocate awaiting her turn for a passover.
4. The Temporal Confusion
A junior advocate confidently stated, “My Lords may take up the matter day after yesterday.” When the judge sought clarification, the advocate quickly corrected, “Apologies, My Lord, day after today.” — A 24-year-old junior to a Senior Advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
5. The Detached Limbs
In a panic while requesting a passover, a junior advocate mistakenly said, “my senior’s legs are in another court.” The judge quipped, “I hope so is the rest of his body.” — A 27-year-old independent practitioner.
6. The Sideswapped Advocate
During a POCSO matter at Saket District Court, a novice advocate mistakenly addressed the judge from the wrong side, prompting confusion as to why the complainant’s counsel was filing for quashing. The error was soon realized. — A 23-year-old advocate’s first court appearance.
7. The Overconfident Newcomer
Fresh out of law school, an advocate was eager to make his mark, meticulously preparing for a Section 138 NI Act matter. However, when faced with a stern judge, confidence gave way to stammering, reducing his response to merely, “Ma’am… ma’am… ma’am… ma’am…” — A 24-year-old advocate at a boutique disputes firm.
8. The Dress Code Mishap
In his first month out of law school, a young advocate joined a Senior Advocate’s chambers. Following a late-night celebration, he arrived at Patiala House Court sleep-deprived, inadvertently wearing his neckband inside out and house slippers instead of court shoes. — A 22-year-old advocate in his first week of practice.
Mehreen Garg, practicing law in Delhi courts, invites readers to share their own courtroom escapades via LinkedIn, as she curates a Part II of this light-hearted series. These anecdotes are shared in a personal capacity, solely for storytelling purposes, with identities anonymized to maintain confidentiality.
