When I was new in practice, I carried the fire of the angry young man.
Passionate. Restless. Eager to prove myself.
One day, in the middle of a heated matter, that fire flared up. I got into a sharp exchange with a judge. Later, guided by my seniors, I apologized. The judge looked at me and said something I will never forget:
“I was about to decide in your favour.”
That moment shook me. I realized I had almost lost a winning case — not on facts or law, but on temper and impatience.
The Lesson
In the courtroom, advocacy is not only about arguments. It is about timing, temperament, and perception.
- Hold your horses: Anger clouds judgment and spoils rapport.
- Read the court: A seasoned advocate can sense when the judge is aligned.
- Know when to stop: Sometimes silence is the most persuasive submission.
Silence at the right time can carry more weight than the strongest argument.
Every young advocate comes to court with energy. That passion is important — but uncontrolled, it can backfire. Litigation is a long game. Judges respect maturity, patience, and the ability to sense the flow of proceedings.
The courtroom teaches us daily: Restraint is as important as eloquence.
That one incident early in my career shaped the advocate I became. Today, when I see young lawyers brimming with energy, I share the same advice my seniors gave me:
When the judge is with you, you don’t need to over-argue. Respect the moment. Respect the silence.