seven lamps of advocacy

In The Seven Lamps of Advocacy (1923), Judge Parry named seven qualities that light the advocate's path. Honesty: never mislead the court or the client. Courage: to take up unpopular causes and to stand firm before a hostile judge. Industry: thorough preparation of facts and law. Wit: quickness of mind and lightness of touch. Eloquence: clear and persuasive speech, not ornament. Judgment: sense of what to argue and what to leave out. Fellowship: respect and courtesy towards opponents and the Bench.

The topic is a regular question in the professional ethics paper; students are expected to explain each lamp with an example from practice.

Example

Of the seven lamps of advocacy, honesty comes first, because an advocate who misleads the court loses its trust permanently.

In Indian law

• Bar Council of India Rules, Part VI, Chapter II (standards of professional conduct and etiquette)

See also

legal ethics · professional misconduct · advocate

Read more in the study notes

• The equipment of the lawyer and the seven lamps of advocacy (Professional Ethics)