From Resolve to Responsibility: A First Generation Lawyer’s Journey to Advocate on Record – Jaydip Pati

This conversation explores the journey of Jaydip Pati, an Advocate on Record who transitioned from a science background to a life devoted to the courtroom. It reflects on his early years in litigation, the discipline required to navigate the profession, and the values that sustain a lawyer before various courts. Drawing from his work in legal aid, criminal and service matters, and mediation reform, he describes how diverse professional exposure shaped his judgment, resilience, and sense of responsibility toward society. His reflections offer practical and grounded guidance for young lawyers aspiring to build a meaningful practice in the Supreme Court.

This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team

What was your early academic and personal journey like before  entering law, and what influenced your decision to pursue litigation as a  long-term career? 

I was a science student during my Higher Secondary (10+2)  education, studying Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Although my parents aspired for me to become a doctor or an engineer, I never found myself inclined towards those professions. My first aspiration was to join the Indian Army, an ambition shaped by a sense of discipline,  service for the nation and national commitment; however, due to  circumstances beyond my control, that path could not materialize. 

Law became my second choice, but the one that I embraced wholeheartedly. From the very beginning of my law school days, I was clear  that litigation was the career I wished to pursue. I never appeared for interviews for law firms or other institutions, as my focus remained firmly  on Courtroom practice. 

What draws me most to litigation is its dignity, independence and  ethical responsibility towards society. If one invests time, energy, sincerity,  and hard work into litigation, it never disappoints. People, places, and  circumstances may change, but I firmly believe that honest work never  abandons us. Litigation is a profession where one is truly the master of one’s  own path, with the autonomy to make decisions and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to social causes.

In the early years of litigation, particularly while navigating practice before the Supreme Court and High Courts, what were some defining  struggles that tested your resolve? 

The foremost struggle in the initial years was cultivating patience without expectation, which is the Guru Mantra for every beginner in every  field, who does not have a godfather to support. Litigation demands sustained  hard work, honesty, and consistency – often without immediate recognition  or tangible outcomes. One must be mentally prepared for this reality before  choosing litigation as a career. 

Another significant challenge was the absence of professional guidance or mentorship. Without institutional or personal support, I had to make decisions on crucial professional issues independently – decisions that  could directly or indirectly shape my litigation career in the long run. These experiences tested my resolve and strengthened my self-belief. These  formative struggles, however, strengthened my independence and deepened  my commitment to the profession. I take decisions independently,  sometimes I was right and sometimes wrong but right decisions have boosted  me and wrong decisions guide me to learn the lesson.  

What would you describe as a turning point in your career that shaped  your motivation to pursue litigation? 

I do not identify any single turning point that altered my motivation or direction. From the outset, I was clear about choosing litigation. What  continuously motivates me is the freedom litigation offers, the freedom to decide what to do, how to do it, and to take responsibility for those decisions  which actually makes someone stronger. 

In litigation, if a decision is right, success follows; if it is wrong, one must face the consequences. Success enables leadership to lead, while failure cultivates wisdom and the capacity to guide others. This dialectic between accountability and growth remains a continuous source of  motivation in my professional journey. 

Your work spans legal aid, constitutional litigation, criminal law,  service matters, and mediation reform. How did this diversity shape  your evolution as an Advocate on Record? 

Handling diverse responsibilities fosters maturity and broadens one’s  perspective. With each additional responsibility, the mind expands, and  professional judgment evolves. Exposure to varied areas of law not only  builds experience but also helps one identify personal strengths and areas  requiring improvement. 

Managing multiple responsibilities under time constraints strengthens  resilience and sharpens decision-making abilities. This exposure and  pressure played a crucial role in preparing me for the Advocate-on-Record(AOR) Examination and in shaping me into a more balanced legal  professional. Since, I was practicing independently after resigning from  SCLSC and before the AOR examination; I could not take leave and prepare for  the Examination. In this situation, diverse responsibility helps me to prepare  for the AOR examination, continuing my independent practice. Independent practice is linked with the trust of litigators on me whom I represent, therefore I could not afford to suffer their interest for my personal  achievement. Working in diverse responsibilities helped me to balance these two interests.  

You have actively contributed to mediation training programmes and  the drafting of the Mediation Bill. What motivated your interest in  mediation? 

During my tenure at the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee  (SCLSC), I had the opportunity to work closely with several Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court. This exposure helped me realize the immense significance of mediation, for litigants, in terms of saving time, money, and emotional energy, and for the judiciary, in reducing pendency and enabling  amicable resolution of disputes. 

I distinctly recall a meeting at the residence of Justice Rohinton F.  Nariman, then Chairman of the Mediation and Conciliation Project  Committee (MCPC), where the importance and future of mediation were  discussed in depth. That interaction left a lasting impression and further strengthened my commitment to mediation reform. I as part of Supreme  Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) organized  several mediation training programmes (40 hours training, Training of  Trainers etc.) wherein I came in contact with several dignitaries which also helped me to understand the importance of mediation. 

Among the matters you have argued, which cases stand out as  personally meaningful and why? 

Several matters remain close to my heart. In particular, the bail matters I argued on a pro bono basis were deeply fulfilling. Witnessing the relief and gratitude of family members of undertrial prisoners reaffirmed my faith in the justice system. I remember, I succeeded in securing an order granting bail for a juvenile and I saw the tears of joy in the eyes of his  mother. This satisfaction is the ultimate satisfaction I believe. 

I also argued a batch of pension matters for nearly 450 CRPF personnel. Seeing their happiness and sense of vindication brought immense  personal satisfaction. Similarly, matters handled for legal aid clients during  my tenure at SCLSC provided a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

As an Advocate on Record with nearly a decade of experience, how do  you define your professional identity, and what principles guide your practice before constitutional courts? 

I believe that professional identity is built through hard work,  integrity, honesty and perseverance. Working without narrowly calculated  expectations contributes significantly to long-term growth and credibility. While financial success is important, true professional identity is shaped by  one’s contribution to society.

The Supreme Court, being the apex Constitutional Court, represents  the last hope for many litigants. Practicing before such a Court demands  strong moral and ethical foundations. The ability to serve others without  constantly calculating personal gain brings genuine satisfaction and remains  the guiding force of my practice before Constitutional Courts. 

Looking back on your journey to becoming an Advocate on Record,  what are your aspirations for the future of your practice? 

When I began practicing before the Supreme Court, I was unaware of  how demanding and challenging the path would be. Over time, I realized  that litigation is a field where resilience is essential, no one cushions failure,  and competition is intense. 

This understanding has shaped my aspiration to reach a position where I  can meaningfully support and guide young lawyers who enter litigation  without contacts or connections, as I once did. My goal is to contribute  towards making the profession more accessible and supportive for such  aspirants. 

What advice would you offer to young lawyers aspiring to practice  before the Supreme Court, particularly in constitutional litigation and  public law? 

My foremost advice is to uphold integrity and honesty, as these are the  foundation stones of practice before the Supreme Court. Discipline and 

Sincerity plays a pivotal role in shaping one’s professional identity. Let us  never forget that even the smallest act of ours can raise the honour of this  noble profession. In the same breath, one careless step can weaken the faith  of countless people who look towards the courts with hope in their eyes. To  the common person, we are not just lawyers, rather we are their last belief in  justice. When they walk into a courtroom, they carry trust, fear, and  expectation in equal measure. Our conduct decides whether they return with  hope in their hearts or disappointment in their souls. 

Let us choose integrity over convenience, service over selfishness,  and fairness over fame. Let our presence give courage to the weak and  confidence to the distressed. May our actions heal, may our words comfort,  and may we always be remembered as those who made justice humane. 

Practice law with humility. Argue with fairness. Win with grace. Lose  with dignity. Lawyers are ultimately recognized for their decisiveness, which  flows from discipline, integrity, and hard work. As members of the legal  fraternity, we carry a responsibility to uphold values that inspire confidence  in the justice system and motivate future generations to pursue litigation  with dignity and purpose. I would advise young lawyers that aren’t afraid to take risks in life. If you win you can lead and if you lose you can guide. 

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