Judge Sailo urges legal aid lawyers to go beyond mere legal practice

August 30, 2024 7 Views No Comment

KOHIMA, AUGUST 30 (MExN): Justice Nelson Sailo of the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, has emphasized the vital role of legal aid lawyers in engaging with clients beyond the courtroom during an inaugural address at a state-level advocacy skill training session. The training, organized by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), was held at the SIRD Conference Hall in Kohima on August 29.

In his address, Justice Sailo highlighted the broader responsibilities of legal aid lawyers, urging them to go beyond mere legal practice and offer meaningful assistance to individuals who are in conflict with the law or in need of legal help. He pointed out that just as people require medical assistance, those seeking legal aid also face significant challenges, often spending substantial time, money, and resources.

Justice Sailo stressed that while courts adhere strictly to legal codes, legal aid lawyers have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact through their interaction with clients. “What is most important is your communication skills, how you interact with clients whom they are assisting,” Sailo remarked. He emphasized that effective client engagement can greatly influence the legal process and the outcomes of cases.

He further explained that while judges handle a broad range of cases, lawyers, whether defense or prosecution, have the chance to become deeply familiar with specific cases. Sailo encouraged lawyers to be thorough in their preparation, conduct in-depth research, and stay updated with the latest legal developments. He urged them to be sensitive to the needs and circumstances of their clients to represent their cases effectively and ensure justice.

The training session was attended by over 50 panel lawyers, retainer lawyers, legal aid defense counsel members, and young practitioners. The welcome address was delivered by Member Secretary of NSLSA, Victo Sema, NJS. The program was chaired by Advocate Apila Sangtam, Retainer Lawyer NSLSA, and featured a presentation by the District Legal Services Authority.

In addition to Justice Sailo, the inaugural program saw the presence of Justice Budi Habung from the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench and Ajongba Imchen, Registrar of the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench.

During the technical session, Advocate Vrinda Grover from the Supreme Court of India provided insights into navigating the criminal justice system. She highlighted the importance of a broad legal and case strategy and discussed the crucial role of defense lawyers during the remand stage, emphasizing the need for ongoing communication with arrested individuals to safeguard their human rights.

Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), Sandeep M. Tamgadge, also addressed the participants, providing an overview of new criminal laws, including the BNS, BNSS, and BSA. He noted that these laws replace outdated colonial-era statutes and focus on expediting the justice system while incorporating digital technology.