ADV INDIRA JAISING
In 2018 she was ranked 20th in the list of 50 Greatest Leaders of the World by Fortune magazine.
HUMAN RIGHT ACTIVIST THAT GAVE VOICE TO WOMEN
There is no other person in India who has single handedly fought for the rights of women and succeeded; the stand out verdict in Mary Roy vs Govt of Kerala case, that established the rights of Christian women in Kerala to equal rights in their ancestral property is epic. She continues to be the beacon of hope for many and inspiration to budding lawyers!
WHAT SKILLS NEEDED TO BE A LAWYER?
What are the skills and talents needed to be a lawyer?
A very interesting question as its not clearly laid down anywhere. We talk about psychometric analysis to find out what kind of skills our kids have. Quantitative skills, how good we are with numbers and Qualitative skills that dwells on creative thinking. So to be a lawyer what skills do you need? Quantitative or qualitative?
The most important attribute you should have to be a good lawyer is an analytical mind or approach to issues. Law is not black and white like that of mathematical sum. It’s the interpretation of law, the analysis of facts and proof of the case that delivers justice.
The cardinal rule of law is “ even if a thousand go scot free, an innocent should not be punished” Hence the onus on the lawyer to deliver justice is immense. Yes, no innocent should be punished, but it’s also the essence of law that the guilty be tried, convicted and punished so that law does not become a mockery in the eyes of people. And thats where the true skill, commitment and grit of a lawyer come.
As a young lawyer, Indira Jaising took up the case of Mary Roy who was fighting for her right to her parents property, that her brother refused to give, despite being extremely wealthy, citing she was separated and that she had been given a sthreedhanom. It exposed the parochial system prevalent in Kerala Christian community and deep rooted inequality that prevents the girls to stand up for whats due to them, even today. We need more like Indira Jaising.
Another equally important skill thats needed to be a good lawyer is English language skill, both written and spoken. Its the single most important as English is the language of the judiciary and to understand what each situation means,
MARY ROY CASE
A WATERSHED MONEMT
IN INDIAN JUDICARY
Adv Indira Jaising argued several cases relating to discrimination against women, including Mary Roy’s case, which led to the grant of equal inheritance rights for Syrian Christian women in Kerala
a good command over the language is needed as a lawyer needs to draft the case for presentation that forms the heart of the matter and a good presentation skill to ensure the judge grasps the matter at the first instance itself.
If you like to read; if you like to debate, it’s the most rewarding career for you. It’s the most enabling too, for no policeman or police woman will dare to take on a Lawyer.
As a lawyer, people look up to you as a beacon of hope for justice!
