The Seven Lamps of Advocacy: Legal Ethics By Adv. C.V. Manuvilsan
The Seven Lamps of Advocacy
A Must-Read for Every Law Student in India
✍️ By Adv. C.V. Manuvilsan
Senior Partner, LEX LOCI Associates | Advocate, High Court of Kerala
🎓 Why You Should Read This
Are you preparing for Legal Ethics or Bar Council exams? Whether you're a 1st-year law student or a budding advocate stepping into court, this article introduces you to the 7 timeless values that shape a lawyer’s life — beyond textbooks, beyond theory.
Introduction
In law school, we learn rules.
But in the courtroom, we are guided by values.
True advocacy is not just about knowledge of law. It is about character, commitment, and conduct. These are the seven timeless virtues — the Seven Lamps of Advocacy — that every great lawyer must carry. [Inspired by Justice Edward Abbott Parry’s The Seven Lamps of Advocacy (1923)]
1️⃣ HONESTY
“A lawyer’s word should be as good as his bond.”
- Always be truthful — to the court, the client, and yourself.
- Even the most brilliant argument loses its power without integrity.
- Your reputation is your biggest asset in this profession.
2️⃣ COURAGE
“Not loud aggression, but quiet firmness.”
- Don’t be afraid to speak for the weak or stand alone for what is right.
- Real courage is calm, respectful, and ethical — even when challenging authority.
3️⃣ INDUSTRY
“Preparation is the lifeblood of advocacy.”
- Never go to court unprepared.
- Read the brief. Understand the law. Anticipate questions.
- Talent may open the door, but hard work keeps you in the room.
4️⃣ WIT
“The intelligence that sees through confusion.”
- Quick thinking, presence of mind, and humour — all count.
- The best lawyers are not just logical, but also mentally agile.
5️⃣ ELOQUENCE
“Clarity and conviction in speech.”
- You don’t need to sound like a poet — but you must be clear, concise, and persuasive.
- Speak to communicate, not just to impress.
6️⃣ JUDGMENT
“Knowing what matters — and what doesn’t.”
- Should I ask this question in cross?
- Should I concede this point?
- Should I speak or stay silent?
These are questions of judgment — the unwritten part of advocacy that comes with maturity and humility.
7️⃣ FELLOWSHIP
“The Bar is a brotherhood, not a battleground.”
- Be courteous to your opponents.
- Help your juniors.
- Respect your seniors.
- The legal profession is stronger when we support each other, not sabotage.
Conclusion
You may win a case through cleverness.
But you’ll build a career through virtue.
Let these Seven Lamps guide you — from law school to court hall, from junior chamber to senior counsel.
Honesty. Courage. Industry. Wit. Eloquence. Judgment. Fellowship.
This is what makes a lawyer — not just qualified, but respected.
📌 Keywords / Labels (for indexing):
Legal Ethics, Duties of a Lawyer, Bar Council Rules, Advocate Conduct, Professional Responsibility, Law Student India, Courtroom Practice, CV Manuvilsan, Seven Lamps, Legal Education
📢 Call to Action for Students:
- 💬 Which of these seven lamps do you think is most lacking in today’s legal practice?
- 🧑⚖️ Tag a fellow law student who must read this!
- 📤 Repost this on your college WhatsApp group or student forum.
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