Becoming an Advocate

Rahul's friend Sameer completes his law degree and begins working under a senior advocate at the district court.

Meanings in Sameer, Senior advocate, Judge

Key words and phrases

law degreea degree earned by studying lawHe completed his law degree in five years.

advocatea lawyer who represents clients in courtHe wants to become a criminal advocate.

courta place where legal cases are decidedThe case was heard in the district court.

clienta person represented by a lawyerHe met with his client before the hearing.

casea legal matter to be decided in courtHe is working on a property dispute case.

hearinga formal session where a case is discussed in courtThe next hearing is scheduled for Monday.

argueto present reasons for or against something in courtHe argued the case confidently before the judge.

verdictthe official decision made in a court caseThe verdict will be announced next week.

justicefairness in the way people are treated legallyHe believes strongly in fighting for justice.

documentationofficial papers needed to support a caseHe gathered all the necessary documentation.

affidavita written statement sworn to be true, used as evidenceHe submitted an affidavit supporting his client's claim.

bailmoney paid to release an accused person until trialThe lawyer applied for bail on his client's behalf.

summonan official order to appear in courtThe witness received a summon to appear on Friday.

plaintiffthe person who brings a case against another in courtThe plaintiff claimed damages for the accident.

defendantthe person accused in a court caseThe defendant pleaded not guilty.

witnessa person who gives evidence in courtThe witness described exactly what he saw.

cross-examineto question a witness called by the opposing sideThe advocate cross-examined the witness carefully.

petitiona formal written request made to a courtHe filed a petition seeking bail.

precedentan earlier case used as an example for later decisionsThe judge referred to a precedent from last year.

contracta legally binding agreement between two or more partiesHe is reviewing the terms of the contract.

Useful sentences

Ask How is your work under the senior advocate going?
Answer It's demanding, but I'm learning a lot about court procedures.
Ask When is your next hearing scheduled?
Answer It's scheduled for next Monday morning.
Ask Have you met with your client yet?
Answer Yes, we discussed all the details of the case.
Ask What kind of cases do you want to specialize in?
Answer I'm interested in criminal law.
Ask Do you have all the documentation ready for the hearing?
Answer Yes, everything is in order.
Ask Did you apply for bail for your client?
Answer Yes, we filed the petition yesterday.
Ask Who is going to cross-examine the witness?
Answer The senior advocate will handle that himself.
Ask Have you prepared the affidavit for the hearing?
Answer Yes, the client signed it this morning.
Ask Is there any precedent that supports our argument?
Answer Yes, I found a similar case from two years ago.
Ask Who is representing the defendant in this case?
Answer A young lawyer from another firm is representing him.

Dialogue

Senior advocateSameer, are you prepared for tomorrow's hearing?

SameerYes, sir. I've reviewed all the documentation for the case.

Senior advocateGood. Remember to stay calm and argue confidently.

SameerI will, sir. I really want to get this right for our client.

Senior advocateThat's the right attitude. Justice takes patience and preparation.

SameerThank you for guiding me through this, sir.

Senior advocateHave you also prepared the affidavit for the client's signature?

SameerYes, sir. It's ready, and I'll get it signed this evening.

Senior advocateGood. Also check if there's any precedent we can use to strengthen our petition.

SameerI've already found one similar case from two years ago, sir.

Common mistakes

Saying "I am doing law" instead of "I am studying law" or "I am pursuing a law degree."
Saying "Advocate fought the case" instead of "The advocate argued the case" (use "argue," the standard legal term).
Saying "Case is going in court" instead of "The case is being heard in court" or "The case is in court."
Saying "He gave witness" instead of "He is a witness" or "He gave evidence as a witness."
Saying "File a bail" instead of "Apply for bail" or "File a petition for bail."
Saying "Cross-question the witness" instead of "Cross-examine the witness" (use the standard legal verb).

Quick quiz

1. What word means a lawyer who represents clients in court?

2. Complete: "The ___ will be announced next week."

3. What word means fairness in the way people are treated legally?

4. What word means money paid to release an accused person until trial?

5. What do you call the person who brings a case against another in court?

6. What does it mean to "cross-examine" a witness?

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