CJI Surya Kant Urges Young Lawyers to Treat Law as a Craft, Not a Shortcut to Success
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In a heartfelt address to the first convocation ceremony of Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized the importance of approaching law as a craft to be learned carefully and practised with integrity. Unlike a sprint, law is a long and deliberate journey that rewards those who remain committed, curious, and sincere. The CJI acknowledged that young lawyers today face demanding expectations due to technological disruption, economic complexity, and heightened public scrutiny. However, he reassured them that this expectation is a vote of confidence, not a burden. He urged the young lawyers to adapt to change, elevate standards, and restore confidence in the profession. The CJI also highlighted the value of patience and temperament in the legal profession, noting that young lawyers may spend more time observing than arguing, and learning more than earning. He encouraged them to focus on consistency, discipline, and incremental improvement, rather than seeking early acclaim. Ultimately, the CJI emphasized that integrity is the key to success in the legal profession. It is not something that announces itself, but rather reveals itself silently in how one presents facts, advises clients, treats opponents, and responds to temptation. He reminded the young lawyers that their reputation precedes them, and that honesty, fairness, and character are essential qualities that will sustain them through the uncertainties ahead. As the young lawyers leave the campus and enter the profession, the CJI urged them to seek a deeper measure of success, one that includes the satisfaction of having done their work honestly, contributed to fairness, and stood by principle even when it was inconvenient.
