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 ...