Five Things Every Law Student Should Know Before Their First Court Appearance

Law school teaches you to think like a lawyer. It doesn't teach you how to actually be one. The first time you walk into a court — even just to watch — there is a gap between what you studied and what you see. Here are five things I wish someone had told me before my first appearance.

1. The Roster Matters More Than the Law

Before you argue anything, know whether your matter is likely to be reached that day. Understand the court's roster — how many matters are listed before yours, which ones are likely to be adjourned, whether the judge typically sits late. A perfectly prepared argument is useless if you spend four hours waiting and then the matter is adjourned for non-availability of the opposite party.

2. Prepare One Page, Not Twenty

Junior lawyers often over-prepare. They bring detailed written submissions, case law compilations, and tabbed files. In most daily matters, you have less than five minutes. Have one page: the relief you want, the one strongest ground, the one best case in your favour. Everything else is backup.

3. Address the Judge — Not Opposing Counsel

Many juniors make the mistake of arguing with the opposite side. The judge is the only person whose mind you need to change. Address your submissions to the bench. If you are asked a question, answer it directly and honestly. Do not evade questions — judges remember evasive counsel.

4. "I Don't Know" Is a Complete Answer

You will be asked questions you cannot answer. The correct response is "I will check and submit a note" or "I don't have the authority before me." Attempting to answer a question you don't know the answer to is worse than admitting ignorance. Judges are experienced — they know when someone is making it up.

5. Punctuality Is Professionalism

Be in court before your matter is called. Not five minutes before — before the court begins for the day if possible. Late appearances are noticed. They signal disorganisation. In a profession where reputation takes years to build, small signals matter more than you think.

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title: "The Difference Between a Good Contract and a Great One" excerpt: "Good contracts protect you from the other party. Great contracts protect the relationship between the parties. Here is what separates the two." date: "January 20, 2026" author: "Sumit Kasana" tag: "Commentary" readTime: 4

Most commercial contracts are drafted to protect one party. The indemnities are one-sided. The termination rights favor the drafter. The governing law clause picks the most convenient jurisdiction for whoever drafted it.

These contracts do their job. But they also create an adversarial dynamic from day one.

The Mindset Problem

When a contract is drafted purely as a defensive instrument, both parties approach signing with suspicion. The receiving party red-lines every imbalanced clause. Negotiations become hostile. What started as a commercial opportunity becomes an exercise in mutual distrust.

A great contract is drafted differently. It reflects what both parties actually agreed — including who bears which risk. It is fair enough that the other side doesn't feel compelled to negotiate every clause. It builds in flexibility — mechanisms for the parties to resolve problems before they become disputes.

What Great Contracts Do Differently

They contain a clear statement of purpose — even just two sentences about what the parties are trying to achieve. This context helps interpret ambiguous provisions later.

They address what happens when things go wrong — not just who is liable, but how the parties will communicate, escalate, and if necessary, exit gracefully.

They have mutual obligations — not just obligations on the party that the drafter's client is paying. Both parties are accountable.

They are written in plain language where possible. Not every sentence needs to be a subordinate clause spanning four lines.

The Practical Test

Ask this before you finalise a contract: if something goes wrong and both parties are reading this contract for the first time, will they both feel it was fair? If the answer is no — the contract may protect you in litigation but it will damage the relationship. And most businesses run on relationships, not litigation.