03/08/2026
The Identity of an Advocate
A question that has stayed throughout the years in the profession is: What is the identity of an Advocate? Although having been associated with this noble profession for more than fifteen years, we believe the question still deserves reflection.
When getting enrolled as a member of the Bar and wore the black coat and tie, our father, himself a lawyer by profession, and also our senior gave the first lesson: “your attire is your identity.” That lesson was followed by a detailed discussion on the dos and don'ts of wearing the uniform. It covered everything, from the places where one should or should not sit for a cup of tea while in uniform, to one's manner of speech and conduct, both inside and outside the courtroom. The message was simple: the black coat is not merely a dress code; it carries with it dignity, discipline, and responsibility.
The second lesson concerned another important part of an Advocate's identity: the case file. Its preparation, organisation, and presentation in court speak volumes about the counsel behind it. A well-maintained file often says more about an Advocate than words ever can. It was also taught that preparing and maintaining the case file is the responsibility of the dealing counsel and should never be left entirely to a law clerk. It was advice that proved invaluable throughout our practice.
Over the years, we often heard trainee counsels complain about having to carry bulky case files, treating them as a burden rather than a privilege. We always found that mindset difficult to understand. The case file is not something to be carried; it is something to be studied. Preparing it chronologically, ensuring that every document is properly arranged, indexed, tagged, and bound, is not merely administrative work, it is an essential part of advocacy. Every page tells the story of the case, and the process of preparing it allows a lawyer to understand the matter in far greater depth than simply reading a brief prepared by someone else.
Later in the career, while working with Mr. Shah Khawar, Advocate Supreme Court, we learnt another valuable lesson. He strictly prohibited us from wearing the black coat while in the office. His reasoning was simple: office discussions are often informal, whereas the black coat demands a higher standard of conduct. One should never risk behaving in a manner that diminishes the dignity associated with the uniform.
He also impressed upon us the significance of Bar Associations as an integral part of an Advocate's identity. They promote professional unity, safeguard the rights and interests of lawyers, uphold ethical standards, and ultimately strengthen the administration of justice. While the Bench performs its constitutional role, a strong and independent Bar remains equally indispensable in preserving the rule of law and protecting the rights of the public.
Advocates have traditionally been held in high regard by society. Yet today, across the country, the legal profession appears to be facing an identity crisis. Perhaps the solution does not lie in changing who we are, but in rediscovering and respecting the identity that has always defined the profession, our conduct, our discipline, our preparation, our institutions, and above all, the dignity of the black coat.
