While there are a number of threads for new entering law firms, I would sincerely appreciate any advice you may have for a fresh graduate entering litigation (in Delhi) - ways to tackle the steep learning curve, navigating life in Courts, important skills young litigators must learn, managing money etc. Thanks!

Be in it for the long haul. The Bar increases its rewards with each passing year.

Have impeccable English, and if you don't, cultivate it.

Learn the CPC, CrPC and Evidence Act. Work with offices that focus on civil litigation for a couple of years and criminal defense for a couple of years.

Be hungry to learn, not to succeed. The former feeds the latter.

Stay humble, quell your ego, avoid frivolous expenses, don't compare your life with anyone else's.

Socialize freely with a wide variety of people. The more people know you, the more likely they are to think of you for their legal needs.

Keep your social media accounts private and the content clean.

Cultivate other interests. Take care of your body and enrich your mind and spirit. How you care for yourself reflects how you care for others. Depth of thought and understanding brings wisdom. Learn the value of silence as much as the value of speech.

Do your best when you are in Court. Bring fire and passion to the trial court. Bring grace and charm to the higher courts.

Help clients who can't afford your fee, if you can afford to help them. Goodwill and gratitude are currency too.

Disregard the naysayers and doubters. Their story is not your own. Have faith in yourself.

Happy to help. Even as a first generation litigator, you can achieve great heights if you have self belief, you put in the hard work, and cultivate the virtue of patience. Most people fail to achieve notable success either because they didn't put in the work, or because they didn't back themselves to take chances, or they gave up before the tide could turn in their favour.

The practice can be extremely fulfilling and at the same time, allow you the freedom to curate your life to a great degree, if you have the courage to claim your freedom.

Don't be disheartened by the hard work involved, the relatively lengthy wait for success, or the vagaries of the system. These are demands placed on your clients, so you ought to exemplify in your own conduct what you wish your clients to inculcate.

Welcome to the Bar. May it take great care of you.

Cast aside the doubt. Clear your mind. Set a goal and start your journey towards it.

If your reason for studying law was to be a litigator, your parents would have factored in that you may need some financial support in the early years. Be grateful for their continued support.

Delhi tends to pay better than other cities, and has all the top courts and tribunals. You will be self sustaining very soon, and prosperous thereafter.

This advice about lit has never made sense to me and so many people I know in Delhi peddle this myth. How exactly does one go from apparently making pittens for 10-15 years living a hand to mouth existence to suddenly being able to demand massive fees? Atleast in corporate, there's a progression towards growth from start to finish. With litigation, it seems just ad-hoc unless you're financially secure and well-connected. What do people even enjoy about litigation? Running around from court to court? Or spending time managing procedural barriers on jurisdiction? I'm really asking. Because the whole arguing a great case before the Sup Ct stage doesn't really come unless one is either very well-connected or already has one foot in the grave.

I agree that this advice makes little sense. From what I understand, there is irregular progression but progression nevertheless when it comes to litigation over the years. No litigator is going to magically start minting money after 10-15 years. The money you earn gradually increases over the years. This 'myth', as you correctly label it, seems to serve the sole purpose of ensuring that well off litigators don't have to pay a decent salary to their juniors.