CLINICAL PAPER (2):

“SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY”

SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL ETHICS, ACCOUNTANCY FOR LAWYERS & BAR

BENCH RELATIONS

SUBJECT CODE: 706

SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO:

HIMANSHU CHOUHAN MR. NAVNEET KRISHNA

2001038 (ASSISTANT PROFESSOR)
(BATCH 2025)

SECTION: A

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This project would not have been possible without the kind support and help of my teacher Mr.
Navneet Krishna (Assistant Professor), I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to him for
giving me the opportunity to do this topic “SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY”, which is not
only enriching and interesting but also a means to increase my patience and hard work. I am also
highly indebted to DBRANLU and the library staff for their guidance and constant supervision as
well as for providing necessary information regarding the project and for their support in
completing the project.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 4
THE GIST OF SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY IS ............................................................................................... 4
1.THE LAMP OF HONESTY ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.THE LAMP OF COURAGE ........................................................................................................................ 5
3.THE LAMP OF INDUSTRY ........................................................................................................................ 5
4.THE LAMP OF WIT .................................................................................................................................. 6
5.THE LAMP OF ELOQUENCE .................................................................................................................... 6
6.THE LAMP OF JUDGMENT ...................................................................................................................... 6
7.THE LAMP OF FELLOWSHIP .................................................................................................................... 7
INCORPORATION OF SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY IN MY FUTURE LIFE ..................................................... 7

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 INTRODUCTION

"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and
lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth. "

- william faulkner

An advocate, being the authority qualified to plead, must possess characteristics and other relevant
talents. A high position comes with huge responsibilities. In India, legal ethics are defined as the
unwritten or written code of conduct that falls under the Advocates Act 1961 and regulates the
behavior of advocates.

The Honorable Supreme Court of India in: Mustafa Haji Mohammad Yusuf v. J.S. Jadhav1, said:

"Advocacy is a calling, not a craft; a profession where commitment to duty constitutes the
hallmark." The advocate will rise to the top of the success tower on the wings of sincerity in
performance and earnestness in attempt. Other qualifications will come naturally given these
virtues. This is the reason why the legal profession is called a noble one.”

‘Seven lamps of Advocacy’ Book authored by Justice Abbot Parry, this is a delightful collection
of works about the unique qualities of outstanding lawyers, written by someone who has
experienced the passion of justice via training and tradition. With a dignity and calmness that come
only from extensive experience and deep thought, the author writes in a half-critical, half-
reminiscent style. The foundation of his philosophical reflection is his high standards for the bar
and his faith in its honor, integrity, and skill.

THE GIST OF SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY IS:

1
J.S. Jadhav v. Mustafa Haji Mohamed Yusuf, (1993) 2 SCC 562.

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1.THE LAMP OF HONESTY

Among the Lamps of Advocacy, first comes the Lamp of Honesty. According to book, Dr. John-
son's contention that the judge, not the attorney, should decide which side justice lies is matched
by the story of the Irishman in the dock who, when asked to declare his guilt or innocence,
responded with genuine judicial poise, "And how can I tell till I hear the evidence?" When he looks
for an example of total dedication to this Lamp2. Being honest is being direct, avoiding lying,
cheating, or stealing, and being free from deceit. Those who have dedicated their lives to honesty
have been the greatest advocates of all time. Abraham Lincoln is an excellent illustration of an
honest person; his reputation and prosperity were built on his ability to "preserve honesty." The
mere quality of honesty makes the legal profession noble.

2.THE LAMP OF COURAGE

It is unquestionable that courage and honesty go hand in hand. Improved legal knowledge, abilities,
and other truthful traits will improve one's capacity to maintain courage in the face of suffering
and strain. But why is this a feature that advocates are expected to have? Since courage is a
characteristic of exceptional lawyers that can be linked to compelling writing, verbal expression,
and critical thinking, this is not an open-ended question. the Lamp of Courage, which leads the
lawyer in his day-to-day work and equips him for those courageous occasions when he takes a
stance to uphold the independence and integrity of the legal profession, as did Erskine in his
defense of Thomas Paine.

3.THE LAMP OF INDUSTRY

In the lengthy history of English law, the Lamp of Industry has had many faithful attendants, and
once again, Lincoln is ranked highly among the famous names that have been so entertainingly
examined. Advocacy is needed in the life of industry. Industry is the quality of being hard-working;

2
Sunderland, E. R. (1924). [Review of The Seven Lamps of Advocacy, by E. A. Parry]. Michigan Law Review,
22(7), 743–743. https://doi.org/10.2307/1278545

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being always employed usefully. Lord Eldon Says, “An advocate must live like a hermit and work
like a horse”. Advocacy is an intellectual Profession3.
This lamp suggests that advocates possess all the necessary skill sets to succeed in the legal
profession. Since it changes to meet the needs of society and adjust to the shifting status quo, law
is dynamic rather than static. Therefore, in accordance with the proverb "There is no substitute
for hard work," an advocate should keep oneself updated.

4.THE LAMP OF WIT

Although the Lamp of Wit has frequently brought light to the boring proceedings at the bar and
won over a jury to a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The ability to recognize and articulate
connections between ideas that arouse amusement and pleasure is known as wit. To put it another
way, it's the ability to articulate ideas cleverly while thinking clearly and speaking concisely. But
why is this an essential quality for an advocate to have? Since it is the result of cleverness, intellect,
smartness, and keenness, it provides an enormous amount of critical analyzing skills.

5.THE LAMP OF ELOQUENCE

This lamp is essential to measuring an advocate's skills, which in turn defines how successful his
career will be. Speaking with eloquence is an art; in fact, it's the cure-all for all other forms of
incompetence. However, one must understand that a powerful speech differs greatly from a simple
deliverable speech because it leaves a lasting impression on the judges, the clients, and the
audience. Eloquence generally refers to a convincing, error-free, and fluid communication style;
it never entails giving a spectacular speech that sounds better than it actually is. Speech fluency
can be achieved, but it is a lifelong process that requires the practitioner to have a thorough
understanding of the subject.

6.THE LAMP OF JUDGMENT

3
Edward Abbott Parry, The Seven Lamps of Advocacy (13-111) (Outlook Verlag, 1923).

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The author reminds us, with several instances to support his argument, that "the only illuminant
for the lamp of judgment is the oil of experience." The inspiration to "translate good sense into
right action" originates from the Lamp of Judgment. Out of the Seven Lamps of Advocacy, it is
the most important. In advocacy, judgment is a talent that an advocate uses to determine the
collective case facts by evaluating the case's strengths and drawbacks. having the intellectual
capacity to recognize the appropriate turning point in the case and to prepare for and tackle all
possible counterarguments. In the end, it's the process of putting prudent judgment into practice.

7.THE LAMP OF FELLOWSHIP

" Lastly, we are shown the Lamp of Fellowship, which has burned brightly for the English-
speaking bar for many centuries, in the Temple and the venerable Inns of Court and wherever
lawyers have lived and worked together. And such professional association is essential to the true
success of the bar, "for it is by keeping the lamp of fellowship burning that we encourage each
other to walk in the light of the seven lamps of advocacy. Fellowship means the membership in
friendly association or companionship

In order to support this interest, advocates are required to become members of bar associations
following the issuance of a Certificate of Enrollment pursuant to section 22 of the Advocates Act,
1961.

INCORPORATION OF SEVEN LAMPS OF ADVOCACY

IN MY FUTURE LIFE:
Hon'ble Chief Justice M.M. Ismail, addressing at the All-India Law Seminar at Madurai, during
1978, while speaking on the topic ‘Professional Ethics and Etiquette’ observes that:

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“Etiquette generally connotes the pattern of behavior and the mode in which a person is required
to conduct himself. Though ‘etiquette’ also springs from long habits and custom, ultimately it is a
matter of prudence. An element of elegance, dignity and decency enter into the calculation of what
constitutes ‘etiquette4’.”

Here's how I plan to integrate these principles into my practice:

As a future legal professional, all these seven lamps of advocacy are of utmost importance to me
as they serve as the driving principles for instilling strong beliefs and ethical values in the
profession, thus enabling the justice system to operate at its maximum capability. I will commit to
presenting facts honestly and accurately to my clients, the court, and opposing parties. Also, I will
investigate fully about my client that he is sharing correct information. I'll never back down from
standing up for my clients' rights, opposing unfair legislation, or standing out for vulnerable or
underrepresented groups. This may involve taking on pro bono work and pursuing legal matters
that advance social justice.

I'm going to aim for the best results for my clients with diligence and patience. This entails rigorous
case planning, in-depth investigation, and persistence in negotiations or the courtroom. Making
decisions on which cases to take, which arguments to pursue, and when to compromise requires
sound judgment. I will consider the pros and drawbacks of each case and provide my clients with
honest evaluations so they may make wise judgments.

The Honourable Supreme Court in the case of Indian Council of Legal Aid v. Bar Council of
India5 pointed out that the lawyer is an officer of the Courts, it is his duty to assist the Court in the
administration of Justice. He must therefore strictly and scrupulously abide by the Code of Conduct
befitting the noble profession and must not indulge in any activity which may tend to lower the
image of the profession in Society.

4
Lawyers' Professional Etiquette - Perspective of Judges & Jurists, (2014) 4 LW (JS) 25
5
Indian Council of Legal v. Bar Council of India, (1995) 1 SCC 732.

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