Ex-CJI Chandrachud Urges Lawyers to Champion Justice, Ethics

Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud called for a transformative shift in the legal profession, urging lawyers to redefine their identity as “facilitators of justice” above all else. Speaking at the Vishnupant Advant lecture series on Saturday, themed The Present and Future of Law Business: Opportunities and Challenges, he addressed law students in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, emphasizing ethics, lifelong learning, and empathy for the marginalized as cornerstones of a successful legal career.

“There is no shortcut to success,” Chandrachud told the students, encouraging them to be independent thinkers and continuous learners. “Lawyers must reorientate their identity as facilitators of justice before everything. Guidance should be taken, but thinking should remain independent,” he said, stressing the need to prioritize ethical practice and compassion for the deprived.

Highlighting vast opportunities in the legal field, Chandrachud noted that dedication and honest service could unlock immense potential for the new generation. He also advocated for greater gender diversity, urging more women to join the legal profession. “Women are excelling in superspeciality and technical fields today. This change should also take place in law,” he said, pointing to the need for inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated domain.

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Chandrachud praised the contributions of law colleges in nurturing talent from small cities and rural areas, citing their role in producing successful lawyers. To support aspiring advocates, he called for advanced facilities like libraries and databases, as well as financial assistance from senior lawyers to help newcomers establish themselves. “The new generation needs support in their initial days to thrive,” he added.

His remarks come amid growing discussions on modernizing legal education and practice in India, with Chandrachud’s vision setting a high bar for the profession’s future.

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