It happened one morning in the Jalan Raja Sessions Courts. I was in my early years of practice; second or third year. The judge that presided over the court I appeared in was known for his eccentric and erratic behaviour. He would try to sell his magistrates and sessions court decisions to any unwitting and soft-hearted lawyers. His desire to distribute his trove of treasured judicial thoughts however lost out to his desire for compensation …
Pupils these days seem to have little to no expectations of being called upon to do hearings or trials during their pupilage. Even if they were offered such an opportunity, they are likely to decline it because they think they are not ready. My sense of it is the common pupil appears content to busy himself at the hem of his Master’s garments stroking its tassels instead of convincing the Master he should be robed …
That was my father’s first piece of advice for me after I started practice. He gave that advice to every pupil that went through his firm. I don’t know whether he still does it anymore. “Bank it in, note when to pay it out, then forget about it. Those that keep looking at it or thinking about it are the ones that get into trouble. Even if you go bankrupt, or your family is starving, …