May 10, 2026:
~ Sahil Aggarwal
(Editor-in-Chief)
In an era where technology is reshaping professions and artificial intelligence is increasingly entering legal workspaces, Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi delivered a powerful reminder to young advocates in Jammu that true courtroom advocacy can never be built on shortcuts.
Speaking at the seminar on “The Art of Advocacy” organised by the Young Lawyers Association J&K High Court Jammu at the District Court Complex, Jammu, Sethi focused on the qualities that define a successful lawyer inside a courtroom: preparation, clarity of thought, confidence, ethics, and courage.
The seminar drew enthusiastic participation from young advocates and members of the Bar, becoming an important platform for discussion on the evolving challenges of the legal profession.
At the heart of Sethi’s address was a message that courtroom success is not achieved through appearances or instant recognition, but through discipline and relentless hard work. “There are no shortcuts in this profession, and tools like AI cannot replace the hard work required to become a competent advocate,” he remarked during his address.
The statement carried particular significance at a time when technology is transforming legal research and drafting practices. While acknowledging technological advancement, Sethi reminded aspiring lawyers that the courtroom remains a space where human intellect, presence of mind, persuasion, and ethical conduct matter most.
He stressed that advocacy is far more than presenting arguments before a judge. Effective courtroom advocacy, according to him, requires deep preparation, mastery over facts, understanding of law, and the ability to communicate with precision and confidence under pressure.
Sethi also highlighted that courage remains one of the defining virtues of an advocate. Courtrooms often demand difficult arguments, principled stands, and the confidence to defend justice even in challenging situations. According to him, legal professionals must possess both intellectual strength and moral courage to truly excel.
Another major focus of his speech was honesty and professional integrity. “If you want to earn respect in the profession, honesty is the only way,” he stated, emphasising that credibility built through ethical conduct ultimately becomes a lawyer’s strongest reputation in court.
He further stressed the importance of professional behaviour within courtrooms and the legal fraternity, observing, “You have to give utmost respect to others to earn respect yourself.” His remarks reflected the belief that courtroom culture must continue to be guided by dignity, discipline, and mutual respect despite the adversarial nature of legal proceedings.
The seminar also encouraged continuous learning among young lawyers. Sethi recommended reading The Art of Advocacy by R.K. Sunawala and Nyaya Shastra by K.B. Bahadur to strengthen understanding of courtroom practice and legal philosophy.
The event was attended by R.N. Wattal, who appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of such programmes in shaping responsible and competent advocates.
The seminar ultimately served as a reminder that while legal practice may evolve with time and technology, the essence of courtroom advocacy remains unchanged. Preparation, integrity, courage, respect, and the ability to stand firmly for justice continue to define the true spirit of the legal profession.
