Litigation: Success, Money, and the Lawyer’s True Calling

By Advocate Ganesh Mishra, Supreme Court of India

In conversations across court halls — from small district court corridors to the grandeur of the Supreme Court — an uncomfortable question persists: Is litigation about winning money or serving justice? This question is not merely philosophical. It shapes how young lawyers choose careers, how clients select counsel, and how society regards the Bar.

At the heart of litigation is dispute resolution — a structured process of adjudication through courts or alternative forums. A litigation lawyer’s function extends far beyond dramatic courtroom speeches; it encompasses investigation, legal research, drafting pleadings, oral argumentation, negotiation, and at times, facilitating settlements before trial.

Yet today, a disquieting trend has taken root: material success has become a shorthand for professional success. Income, high fee briefs, and affiliations with powerful clients increasingly dictate reputation and recognition. This trend is neither healthy for the legal profession nor consistent with the core purpose of litigation — securing justice for the aggrieved.

The Market Realities of Litigation

Unlike corporate law or in-house roles that offer structured remuneration, litigation practice in India — especially in the early years — can be financially unpredictable. Earnings for junior litigators often depend on court appearances or assisting senior counsel, and seldom match the allure of salaried legal roles.

For many young advocates, this early hardship breeds frustration. It prompts a narrative that litigation rewards those with political connections or familial legal networks rather than pure legal merit. While it is true that networks can open doors, they cannot replace legal skill, preparation, and integrity.

Why Money Should Not Be the Measure of Success

Confusing wealth with success erodes the foundations of our justice system. When lawyers — especially at the junior bar — are valued chiefly for their earning capacity, two unhealthy behaviours emerge:

1. Prioritisation of high-fee briefs over meritorious litigation: Lawyers may steer clear of socially important but less lucrative causes.

2. Erosion of professional values: The relentless chase for money risks compromising ethical standards and the dignity of advocacy.

This focus on income also marginalises lawyers who defend unpopular causes or represent under-resourced litigants. Yet, it is these representations that often test the integrity of law and order in a democratic society.

A Better Yardstick for Success

True success in litigation should be measured by:

Legal acumen and preparation: The ability to distil complex facts into cogent legal arguments.

Commitment to client cause: Advocacy that places the client’s grievance — not the lawyer’s ego — at the centre.

Ethical conduct: Practising law with honesty, avoiding shortcuts and sceptical manoeuvres for personal gain.

Service to justice: Taking up cases that uphold constitutional values, protect rights, and ensure fairness under law.

The Path Forward for Young Advocates

For young lawyers stepping into litigation, my counsel is straightforward:

Invest in your craft, not just your fees: Master legal research, courtroom skills, and strategic thinking before expecting financial returns.

Value mentorship: Learn from seniors not because of their clout, but because of their depth of legal understanding.

Serve diverse causes: Do not be swayed solely by high-value briefs — vindicating the rights of the weak strengthens the bar and the faith of citizens in the justice system.

In conclusion, litigation will always involve material considerations — lawyers must earn a livelihood. But equating wealth with success diminishes the noble calling of advocacy. A litigation lawyer’s highest achievement should not be a bank balance, but a stronger, fairer, and more equitable system of justice.