‘Always read your file before going to court’
This piece of advice was given to me by my father before I commenced my pupillage. The longer version was along the following lines: Before you go to court, you must always read your file. Read everything in it. Always read the pleadings so you get the essence of the dispute. If there is an application pending, read up on it. Read the correspondence folder and file notes. It tells you what happened before and …