'Ethical Courage Not Liability But Greatest Asset A Lawyer Can Possess': Justice Surya Kant At NLSIU Convocation

While speaking at National Law School of India University's 33rd annual convocation on Sunday (September 7), Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant emphasized that standing by one's conscience does not end paths but defines them and ethical courage is not a liability but the greatest asset a lawyer can possess. 

The judge, while delivering the presidential address to an audience including the graduating Class of 2025, said that a lawyer experiences three decisional moments in their professional career. First will will test their ethical boundaries, questioning whether one would compromise their values for advancement.

The second challenges one's definition of success, as to whether they will  choose authenticity or expectation. The third questions a lawyer's responsibility to others as to whether they will lift others as they rise. 

On compromise threshold

Giving examples the Judge said that a senior partner in a lawfirm may casually mention to the graduates, that they should bill the client for the full day even when one has finished by lunch asking them to "Think of it as an investment in client relationships". Or a colleague may pressurize them to discourage thier client from accepting a fair settlement, arguing that prolonged disputes mean higher fees for the chambers.

"While these actions might be technically permissible, they will never sit well with your conscience. Early in my practice, a senior advocate asked me to include arguments that felt ethically uncomfortable. When I suggested an alternative approach, he initially resisted but eventually appreciated my candour. That incident taught me something crucial: standing by your conscience does not end paths—it only defines them. That advocate placed his complete trust in me precisely because of my integrity, and this trust became the foundation of a professional relationship that opened doors I never imagined possible, proving that ethical courage is not a liability but the greatest asset a lawyer can possess," Justice Surya Kant said. 

He thereafter said every professional must draw their "own line between institutional expectations and personal integrity". Justice Surya Kanta advised that one must surround themselves with "people whose character you trust", write down one's "non-negotiables" when one is clear-headed and always take time before making "uncomfortable decisions".

He further said that this was important because "rushed choices in ethical matters often become lifelong regrets".

On Choosing Definition of Sucess

Justice Surya Kant said that the second decision regarding choosing the definition of sucess is about desire and not duty. He said that among accomplished legal professionals, one will find stark contrasts; where some radiate satisfaction despite modest incomes, while others possess wealth and prestige yet carry a weariness that no external validation can cure.

He said that the difference lies in whether they chose deliberately or have drifted into conventional expectations. 

Emphasizing that discovering one's definition of success requires deliberate reflection, the judge said:

"Ask yourself: 'Am I pursuing this direction because it excites me or because it impresses others?' The profession offers numerous routes to meaningful success—find the one that genuinely drives you and aligns with your deepest sense of purpose". 

On Professional Legacy

The judge said that the third turning point emerges when one realizes that you are no longer just benefiting from the profession, "you are actively shaping its future". He said that this moment occurs when younger colleagues seek your guidance, "when your decisions affect institutional culture, when your voice carries weight". 

This, the judge said, begets the question that what kind of legacy does one want to leave. 

"Consider the lawyers you most admire. Some opened doors for communities, others mentored practitioners, others transformed how justice is delivered. What impact do you want your name to represent?," he said. 

Reflecting the judge said that early in his career,  he realized every leader chooses between two legacies—"preserving the status quo or improving it".

He thereafter said:

"Meaningful change demands that someone must be willing to stand in the storm while others seek shelter. Your generation faces the same choice. As you advance in your careers and gain influence, you'll have opportunities to shape the profession. Mentor younger colleagues who need guidance. Challenge exclusionary practices when you encounter them...Your legacy won't be measured by your personal achievements alone—it will be defined by the opportunities you create for those who follow". 

Integrity in early years creates foundation for sucess; compromise can't shape genuine sucess

Highlighting that these three decisions will not only shape one's own career trajectory but also the future of law Justice Surya Kant said that "integrity" in a lawyer's  early years creates the foundation for authentic success in their middle years, enabling meaningful impact in their senior years. 

"The reverse is equally true—compromise early and you cannot build genuine success later; pursue inauthentic goals and you will not find satisfaction; choose comfort over progress and you will leave no lasting legacy. Which path you choose—I leave entirely to you," he added. 

While concluding the judge congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to write their story with courage that challenges the impossible, with purpose that serves something greater.

"Write it in a way that inspires the next young person to choose this institution, and to believe that NLSIU graduates can indeed be social engineers for justice," he said.