Been doing it for 12 years and don't regret it, even a bit. Litigation is perhaps the most unstable practice in law but also the most challenging and importantly, most satisfying. I am a 1st gen lawyer and can relate to you. Earning a livelihood as an individual litigator can break even the toughest nut.
Here are few things to do
1. Don't compare your success/ failures with others. Especially with those who have previleged background. Remember their starting points are different then yours. You have your own journey to complete
2. Instead of comparing the failures/ successes, strive to achieve excellence. Work hard.
3. Read. And not just law. Gather knowledge and information. You don't know whom you meet next and what conversation could lead you to a jack pot
4. Choose your role models wisely. There are several to choose from in the legal fraternity. While they are all successful, not many may be able to contribute to your overall growth. I don't mean growth as a lawyer. I am told Palkhivala was far greater individual than he was a lawyer. Similarly, Tulzapurkars in Mumbai are known to lead a uniquely simple lives but are legends in law.
5. Travel. You don't need to spend on abroad trips. Do a simple trek once in a while.
6. Lastly, if nothing of these help, read/ listen to struggle stories of other legends in law. Eg. Roses in December book of J. Chagla. You will find several you tube videos of others as well. Even if they are peppered for viewers, it leaves a hope.
I know these sounds like unwarranted, overused and abused advices. But it might help.
Fairly long at the Bar. First generation lawyer and not from Delhi but practising in Delhi like many others. Yes, it is difficult to sustain, but trust me, every month, either at the start, or in the middle or towards the end, you will get that one case or fee that will sustain you. That's how we survive. That's how many before us have survived and went onto survive for the rest of their respective lives without realising that that one case eventually became two, three, four and many for few and few more for most. But our struggles are the same. Some will openly acknowledge it and some will not, but everyone knows that that's how it is.
My advice, as our friend above has said - stay grounded, work hard, fee or no fee - do your best in all your cases - as that you owe to your client and live each day as it happens. Make a monthly budget and stick to it. Always try to save first for the current month/ week and if there is still something extra - save it for the next. Splurge only and only if you have saved for the monthly allocation for the next 2-3 months. The theory of comparative advantage is valid for us lawyers as well. No two persons, even if coming from similar backgrounds, will have the same journey. There are many factors that come into play. So never compare yourself with someone else. You are the only standard for you to compare. If you are better than what you were earlier - you are growing.
Lastly, relax. we all survive and there is nothing better than litigation - that moment when you stand at the dias and argue - it compensates for every hardship one may have faced to reach there. We are performers thats why we are litigators.
Here are few things to do
1. Don't compare your success/ failures with others. Especially with those who have previleged background. Remember their starting points are different then yours. You have your own journey to complete
2. Instead of comparing the failures/ successes, strive to achieve excellence. Work hard.
3. Read. And not just law. Gather knowledge and information. You don't know whom you meet next and what conversation could lead you to a jack pot
4. Choose your role models wisely. There are several to choose from in the legal fraternity. While they are all successful, not many may be able to contribute to your overall growth. I don't mean growth as a lawyer. I am told Palkhivala was far greater individual than he was a lawyer. Similarly, Tulzapurkars in Mumbai are known to lead a uniquely simple lives but are legends in law.
5. Travel. You don't need to spend on abroad trips. Do a simple trek once in a while.
6. Lastly, if nothing of these help, read/ listen to struggle stories of other legends in law. Eg. Roses in December book of J. Chagla. You will find several you tube videos of others as well. Even if they are peppered for viewers, it leaves a hope.
I know these sounds like unwarranted, overused and abused advices. But it might help.
My advice, as our friend above has said - stay grounded, work hard, fee or no fee - do your best in all your cases - as that you owe to your client and live each day as it happens. Make a monthly budget and stick to it. Always try to save first for the current month/ week and if there is still something extra - save it for the next. Splurge only and only if you have saved for the monthly allocation for the next 2-3 months. The theory of comparative advantage is valid for us lawyers as well. No two persons, even if coming from similar backgrounds, will have the same journey. There are many factors that come into play. So never compare yourself with someone else. You are the only standard for you to compare. If you are better than what you were earlier - you are growing.
Lastly, relax. we all survive and there is nothing better than litigation - that moment when you stand at the dias and argue - it compensates for every hardship one may have faced to reach there. We are performers thats why we are litigators.