Offering a seat to seniors in the legal profession: A diminishing practice

The legal profession, steeped in centuries of tradition, has long stood as a guardian of justice, ethics and mentorship. Over my two decades in this noble field, I have witnessed the transformative power of small, meaningful gestures that reinforce the profession’s values and symbolise the respect and camaraderie that lie at its heart.

Among these, one tradition stands out for its elegance and profundity: offering a chair to a Senior Advocate or any advocate who is senior in the profession. Though simple in practice, this act reflects the very ethos of our profession, serving as a testament to its foundational principles of respect, integrity and humility.

The legal profession is often heralded as a pursuit greater than individual ambition, a calling rooted in service to justice and humanity. The unique relationship between senior lawyers and their juniors is central to its greatness. This dynamic is not merely hierarchical; it is deeply symbiotic. With their vast knowledge and experience, seniors are the custodians of wisdom and the architects of mentorship. They guide juniors through the intricacies of the law and the cultivation of values such as integrity, diligence and an unrelenting commitment to truth. By embodying the profession's highest standards, they have the opportunity to inspire and guide those who follow in their footsteps. Their example can help ensure that this honour is built on a foundation of merit and ethical commitment, fostering a culture of respect and growth within the field.

In return, juniors honour their mentors by approaching this guidance with attentiveness, eagerness and humility, embracing the traditions that bind the profession together. These practices transcend mere formality; they are rituals that nurture the culture of respect and lifelong learning, ensuring that the profession’s ethical and professional standards are upheld across generations.

Yet, as time progresses, this sacred bond is increasingly at risk. One poignant example is the fading practice of offering a chair to senior advocates, a gesture that once stood as a cornerstone of professional decorum. This act, which extends beyond the courtroom to canteens, chambers and common areas, symbolises more than courtesy. It is an acknowledgement of the sacrifices, hard work, and legacy of those who have paved the way for us.

Historically, offering a chair was an unspoken affirmation of the values that define the legal profession: respect for seniority, gratitude for mentorship and a collective commitment to excellence. It fostered an environment where ethical conduct and collaboration thrived. However, this tradition, like many others, is under siege in today’s fast-paced, individualistic legal landscape.

The exponential rise in law colleges, the surge in aspiring lawyers and the increasing prioritisation of personal ambition over collective values have eroded many of these courtesies. The modern profession, though more dynamic and competitive, risks losing its soul if such traditions are not revived. When gestures like offering a chair are overlooked, it signals more than a lapse in etiquette; it reflects a fraying of the profession’s moral fabric.

Today, it is common to see younger members of the profession, often from Generation Z, engrossed in drafting on their laptops, with chairs blocked inside the courtrooms and traditions ignored. On more than one occasion, I have had to muster the courage to ask for a chair. While many juniors oblige without hesitation, there have been instances of refusal, some even accompanied by rudeness. These moments force me to confront a sobering truth: the tradition of offering a chair as a mark of respect is fading, perhaps because it has not been adequately passed down to the next generation.

This decline is not merely an aesthetic loss, it is a structural one. The erosion of respect and humility undermines the mentor-mentee relationship, weakening the profession’s foundation. Without these symbolic acts, the spirit of collaboration and learning, which has long distinguished the legal fraternity, risks being replaced by a sterile pursuit of individual gain.

Reviving these traditions is not a matter of nostalgia, but necessity. The responsibility lies with us, law schools, bar associations and senior advocates to lead by example. By integrating respect for these customs into the culture of law practice and education, we can reignite the values of professionalism and ethical conduct. Law schools must emphasise courtroom decorum and respect for tradition, ensuring that budding lawyers inherit not just technical knowledge, but also a profound understanding of the profession’s legacy.

The phrase “Kissa Kursi Ka” is not just tied to politics; it resonates deeply within the legal community. The chairs in our courtrooms are more than physical objects, they are symbols of dedication, discipline and the relentless pursuit of justice. They are earned, not merely occupied, through years of hard work, self-discipline and service to the higher ideals of the law. Offering these chairs to senior lawyers is an act of reverence, recognising the sacrifices they have made and the path they have paved for future generations.

This simple tradition encapsulates the dignity and nobility of the legal profession. By reviving and reinforcing such practices, we do more than honour our seniors; we preserve the values and ethics that form the bedrock of our fraternity. The act of offering a chair, though modest, is a profound reminder that the greatness of our profession lies in its unwavering commitment to respect, humility and collaboration.

As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, let us resolve not to forsake these small yet significant gestures. Instead, let us champion their revival, ensuring that the legal profession continues to inspire, unite and uphold the timeless principles upon which it was built. In doing so, we safeguard its integrity for generations to come.

Taruna Ardhendumauli Prasad is an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India.