Amritsar-born Supreme Court lawyer Sameer Sodhi, who has earned high praise from the apex court, has voiced serious concern about a worrying trend he observes among many new entrants to the legal field. During a recent visit to his hometown, Sodhi highlighted a growing impatience and a pursuit of quick financial gains, which he believes threatens the very dignity and credibility of the profession.
The Core Advice: Honesty and Patience Over Quick Money
Addressing young lawyers in Amritsar on Monday, Sameer Sodhi's central message was straightforward: "Be honest with your brief." He expressed dismay at the emerging trend where many young advocates seem disproportionately drawn to faster ways of earning money, often lacking the long-term commitment he deems essential.
He emphasised that true success and excellence in law are not instant. Sodhi advised that a minimum of five years of sustained hard work, continuous learning, and ethical practice is crucial for any lawyer aiming for a respected career. He warned that bypassing this foundational phase for quicker rewards risks undermining the profession's core values of perseverance and integrity.
A Career Built on Merit and Supreme Court Acclaim
Sameer Sodhi's advice comes from a position of significant personal achievement. After completing his 12th standard in Amritsar, he graduated from the prestigious ILS Law College in Pune. His career took a notable leap when he secured the 2nd rank in the highly competitive Advocate-on-Record examination conducted by the Supreme Court, beginning his practice there in 2009.
His professional competence was publicly recognised by the Supreme Court itself, a rare honour. A bench comprising Justices U U Lalit, Vineet Saran, and S Ravindra Bhat applauded his work while representing the Chhattisgarh government. The bench even suggested that the note submitted by Sodhi could serve as a standard format for all counsels representing state governments in the top court.
Recognitions and the Path Forward
Adding to his accolades, Sameer Sodhi was recently named among the winners of the 6th Edition of the BW Legal World 40 Under 40 Lawyers and Legal Influencers Awards 2025. This recognition underscores his influence and standing in the Indian legal community.
By sharing his journey and concerns, Sodhi aims to steer the next generation of lawyers towards a more principled and patient path. His counsel serves as a reminder that the law is a vocation built on trust, deep knowledge, and unwavering ethical commitment, not a shortcut to rapid wealth.
