Supreme Court Justice Encourages AoRs to Advocate for Themselves
Justice KV Viswanathan of the Supreme Court of India has called on newly designated Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) to personally present cases in court rather than routinely relying on senior advocates. His remarks were made during a ceremony organized by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association to honor the 2025 batch of AoRs. The event was also attended by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Vipul M Pancholi.
Justice Viswanathan emphasized that the traditional view of AoRs as primarily responsible for case preparation and filing, before defaulting to senior advocates for courtroom appearances, is outdated. He noted that while this perception has evolved since the 1980s and 1990s, further change is necessary. “An Advocate-on-Record should not just prepare and file cases, then default to a senior. Instead, you should cultivate a culture where you argue the cases yourselves,” he stated.
Cultivating Confidence in Courtrooms
Using humor to make his point, Justice Viswanathan suggested that if the term “Advocate-on-Record” leads to a misconception that AoRs are merely involved with paperwork, they should consider a rebranding to “Advocate-on-Rolls.” He insisted, “For heaven’s sake, argue your cases.” He urged the young lawyers to trust in their own capabilities, particularly when clients cannot afford senior counsel.
Justice Viswanathan also highlighted the importance of strong drafting skills, noting how well-prepared pleadings can significantly impact case outcomes. He advised the new AoRs to dedicate attention to the quality of every document they sign, as precise and compelling drafts can greatly assist judges. “A good draft can make a difference to the outcome of the case,” he noted.
Responsibilities and Professional Growth
The judge advised AoRs to treat every legal brief with diligence and to understand the gravity of their professional responsibilities. “Put a heavy price on your name,” he urged, emphasizing that everything signed must be accurate and add value to the case. He also stressed the importance of maintaining open communication with clients.
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Justice Viswanathan encouraged senior AoRs to mentor emerging talent by involving junior lawyers in drafting processes and sharing fees, as a means of contributing back to the profession. Concluding his address, he reminded the newly designated AoRs that persistent dedication to their work would yield unexpected rewards. “The profession is unique. You never know what rewards await you around the corner,” he concluded.
