Seven Lamps of Advocacy — KSLU Ethics Notes
Seven Lamps of Advocacy
Laid down by Justice Abbot Parry — the seven qualities every advocate must possess:
| # | Lamp | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honesty | Truthful to court, client, and opponent — always |
| 2 | Courage | Speak truth to power; never fear judges or the State |
| 3 | Industry | Relentless preparation — know the facts and the law cold |
| 4 | Wit | Quick thinking to ease tense courtroom moments |
| 5 | Eloquence | Clear, persuasive speech — plain words, not jargon |
| 6 | Judgment | Pick the best legal strategy from competing options |
| 7 | Fellowship | Brotherhood at the Bar — no personal enmity in court |
Justice K.V. Krishnaswamy Iyer added an 8th Lamp — Tact: handling people and situations with sensitivity and grace.
In Simple Terms: Think of these as seven flames a lawyer must keep burning. If even one goes out, his advocacy becomes weak.