Capacity To Rise After Set Backs Will Distinguish You In Legal Profession : Justice Sandeep Mehta To Graduating Law Students

"The legal profession you are about to enter is not merely a career but a sacred duty to uphold the principle of justice, equality and rule of law that forms the bedrock of our democracy," Justice Sandeep Mehta, Judge of the Supreme Court, said while delivering a convocation addressed today at the seventeenth Convocation of the National Law University, Jodhpur.

He added: "...some of you will don the black robes and step into Courtrooms, carrying forward the noble tradition of advocacy. Others will navigate the complex world of Corporate law, shaping business transactions and international commerce. Many amongst you aspire to join the judiciary, carrying the weighty responsibility of dispensing justice. Some of you will choose the path of public service, working to strengthen our democratic institutions and craft policies that will serve the nation's interest. Still, others will find a calling in academia, nurturing the next generation of legal minds and contributing to legal scholarship. Some will pursue further studies, seeking specialised knowledge in emerging areas of law through integrated courses in advanced degrees. Each one of these paths are equally valuable and vital to the fabric of our system."

Justice Mehta stated that the diversity of paths reflects the multi-faceted nature of law because it is a discipline that touches every aspect of human life and society. "Whatever path you choose, remember excellence and integrity should be your constant companions...," Justice Mehta suggested to the graduating students. 

Of fears and failures 

However, he added, that fear and failure are two inevitable aspects of the legal profession. He said: "In litigation, you will face judges who reject your arguments; clients, who choose a different counsel; and cases that seem unwinnable. In the Corporate realm, you will encounter failed negotiations, contracts that unravel and strategies that do not yield the anticipated results. In academia, you will face rejected manuscripts, research challenges and moments when your ideas face intense scrutiny or indifference. These experiences are not anomalies. They are integral threads in the fabric of a legal career. What defines your professional journey is not a challenge to such failures but your response to them." 

Sharing his own experience of facing setbacks, Justice Mehta added: "I witnessed firsthand how setbacks can either distinguish potential or ignite greatness. Some of our finest jurists have argued cases that seemed impossible, faced humbling defeats, and yet persevered to later shape the course of legal history. Remember, every landmark judgment was preceded by countless hours of preparation, often following a series of disappointments.

It is after weathering these storms, sometimes days, months, or years of persistent effort, despite failure, that your true character and capability will emerge...when faced with a challenging petition or rejected proposal, or scholarly criticism, resist the temptation to retort. Instead, analyse the situation dispassionately, refine your approach, and recommit to your purpose with renewed vigour. This capacity to rise, not just once, but repeatedly, will distinguish you in the profession."

Numerous firsts 

Justice Mehta emphasised that numerous first encounters, including success and failures, will shape a person's identity in this profession. 

He said: "Your first appearance order when you stand before the court representing a client...your first argument when you find your voice articulate legal principles to advocate for justice that will reveal capability within yourself, that perhaps you did not fully recognise; your first decree or judgment in your favour that will affirm your path, while your first rejection whether of a bail application or a suit you filed with conviction or a legal you passionately believed in, will test your resolve in the ways a classroom could never do.

These milestones extend beyond Courtrooms- your first salary, regardless of amount, will represent not merely financial compensation but also recognition of your professional worth. Your first client that places their trust in you, your first negotiation where you secure favourable terms, your first piece of legislation or policy you help draft. Each represents the building block in the edifice of your career. I did like to share, the first Rs.500 note which I received way back in the year 1992, I still keep it as a cherished memento."

Justice Sandeep Mehta concluded: "Remember, these firsts are not merely personal achievements. They carry profound responsibility. Behind your first bail argument stands a person whose liberty hangs in the balance.." 

He advised the graduating students to never lose sight of the human element in law, maintain the highest stands of integrity and remember the social responsibility to serve the society particularly vulnerable members of the society. Pro Bono work should not be an afterthought.

The event also saw the presence of the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma; State Minister of Law & Legal Affairs, Jogaram Patel; Chief Justice of High Court of Rajasthan & NLUJ's Chancellor, Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Vice-Chancellor, NLUJ, Dr Harpreet Kaur.